Tetrapod axial evolution and developmental constraints; Empirical underpinning by a mouse model

• Published in: Mechanisms of development Vol. 138; pp. 64 - 72
• Main Authors: Woltering, Joost M., Duboule, Denis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier B.V 01.11.2015; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Genetically Modified - genetics; Animals, Genetically Modified - physiology; Biological Evolution; Body Patterning - genetics; Body Patterning - physiology; Developmental constraint; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental - genetics; Genes, Homeobox - genetics; Hind limb; Homeotic transformation; Hox genes; Mice; Motor Neurons - physiology; Sacrum; Spine - physiology; Tetrapod evolution; Homeotic transformation; Hind limb; Sacrum; Developmental constraint; Hox genes; Tetrapod evolution

The tetrapod vertebral column has become increasingly complex during evolution as an adaptation to a terrestrial life. At the same time, the evolution of the vertebral formula became subject to developmental constraints acting on the size of the cervical and thoraco-lumbar regions. In the course of...