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Neural crest‐mediated Runx2 expression regulates the development and evolution of the avian beak
Author(s) -
Yu Jane,
Jheon Andrew H,
Eames Brian F,
Ealba Erin,
Butcher Kristin,
Schneider Richard A
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.302.2
Subject(s) - quail , neural crest , biology , beak , runx2 , mesenchyme , phenotype , sox10 , microbiology and biotechnology , morphogenesis , cranial neural crest , gene , embryo , anatomy , genetics , gene expression , endocrinology , paleontology
We use an avian chimeric transplant system that exploits the distinct morphologies of quail and duck. By transplanting quail neural crest mesenchyme (NCM) into duck, we can assess the extent to which components of facial morphogenesis are directed by donor NCM, and uncover potential mechanisms. To do so, we assay for donor‐induced changes to histological events and screen for candidate genes differentially expressed in quck. We then test if these genes account for an observed phenotype. Previously, we have shown that quail donor NCM can create a quail‐like beak in a duck host. How NCM modifies beak shape is not known. We hypothesized that one likely factor would be Runx2 , since its expression was altered in chimeras. Furthermore, mis‐expression of Runx2 in transgenic mice can cause skull shape changes. When we over‐express Runx2 in chick, we find that Runx2 changes the length of the developing jaw, as well as the size of mesenchymal precursors. Thus, differential Runx2 expression by NCM during development may be a mechanism by which regulation of early tissue size could lead to adaptive changes in beak evolution. This work is supported by DGE‐0648991 from the NSF and R01 DE016402 from the NIDCR. Grant Funding Source : R01 DE016402