Evidence against tetrapod-wide digit identities and for a limited frame shift in bird wings

Nat Commun. 2019 Jul 19;10(1):3244. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11215-8.

Abstract

In crown group tetrapods, individual digits are homologized in relation to a pentadactyl ground plan. However, testing hypotheses of digit homology is challenging because it is unclear whether digits represent distinct and conserved gene regulatory states. Here we show dramatic evolutionary dynamism in the gene expression profiles of digits, challenging the notion that five digits have conserved developmental identities across amniotes. Transcriptomics shows diversity in the patterns of gene expression differentiation of digits, although the anterior-most digit of the pentadactyl limb has a unique, conserved expression profile. Further, we identify a core set of transcription factors that are differentially expressed among the digits of amniote limbs; their spatial expression domains, however, vary between species. In light of these results, we reevaluate the frame shift hypothesis of avian wing evolution and conclude only the identity of the anterior-most digit has shifted position, suggesting a 1,3,4 digit identity in the bird wing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avian Proteins / genetics*
  • Birds / anatomy & histology
  • Birds / genetics*
  • Body Patterning / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Extremities*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Humans
  • Wings, Animal / anatomy & histology
  • Wings, Animal / metabolism*

Substances

  • Avian Proteins