Deep evolutionary origin of limb and fin regeneration
Abstract
Salamanders and lungfishes are the only lobe-finned vertebrates where appendage regeneration after endoskeleton amputation has been demonstrated. Here we show that paired-fin regeneration after endoskeleton amputation occurs in living representatives of all major actinopterygian clades: the American paddlefish (Chondrostei), the spotted gar (Holostei), and in 2 cichlid and 1 cyprinid species (Teleostei). Through comparative transcriptome analysis of blastemas, we demonstrate that axolotl and Polypterus deploy a similar genetic program during regeneration. Furthermore, we show that early blastemas in both species activate a common regeneration-specific genetic program. Collectively, our findings support a deep evolutionary origin of limb and fin regeneration and highlight the strengths of a comparative approach to identify genetic signatures of vertebrate appendage regeneration.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- July 2019
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2019PNAS..11615106D