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Understanding the origin of novel morphological traits is a long‐standing objective in evolutionary developmental biology. We explored the developmental genetic mechanisms that underpin the formation of a textbook example of evolutionary novelties, the cephalic horns of beetles. Previous work has implicated the gene regulatory networks associated with compound eye and ocellar development in horn formation and suggested that horns and compound eyes may influence each other's sizes. Therefore, we investigated the functional significance of genes central to visual system formation in the initiation, patterning, and size determination of head horns across three horned beetle species. We find that while the downregulation of canonical eye patterning genes reliably reduces or eliminates compound eye formation, it does not alter the position or shape of head horns yet does result in an increase in relative horn length. We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the genesis of cephalic horns in particular and evolutionary novelties in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene duplicates, or paralogs, serve as a major source of new genetic material and comprise seeds for evolutionary innovation. While originally thought to be quickly lost or nonfunctionalized following duplication, now a vast number of paralogs are known to be retained in a functional state. Daughter paralogs can provide robustness through redundancy, specialize via sub-functionalization, or neo-functionalize to play new roles. Indeed, the duplication and divergence of developmental genes have played a monumental role in the evolution of animal forms (e.g. Hox genes). Still, despite their prevalence and evolutionary importance, the precise detection of gene duplicates in newly sequenced genomes remains technically challenging and often overlooked. This presents an especially pertinent problem for evolutionary developmental biology, where hypothesis testing requires accurate detection of changes in gene expression and function, often in nontraditional model species. Frequently, these analyses rely on molecular reagents designed within coding sequences that may be highly similar in recently duplicated paralogs, leading to cross-reactivity and spurious results. Thus, care is needed to avoid erroneously assigning diverged functions of paralogs to a single gene, and potentially misinterpreting evolutionary history. This perspective aims to overview the prevalence and importance of paralogs and to shed light on the difficulty of their detection and analysis while offering potential solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of personality traits could reveal new links between behaviour and population ecology and evolutionary and developmental biology. Our study aimed to broaden the existing research by investigating the impact of personality traits on food preferences for forest tree seeds in two rodent species: the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) and the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis). Under laboratory conditions, behavioural parameters were evaluated in 33 individuals. Using LMM, we calculated the intercepts (considered to represent personality trait) for each individual in freezing and exploration duration (latency reaching the farthest point of the test box). For the preference test, seeds of several typical forest tree species were selected: common hornbeam, European beech, Norway spruce, Scots pine, wild cherry, common oak and small-leaved lime. Ivlev's electivity index (IEI) was calculated for each individual and seed species. The testing day was a significant variable in all GLMMs (seven tree seeds). In spruce, pine and lime seeds, the clear positive selection at the beginning decreased during the test; in hornbeam and oak, the selection was the opposite. In five models, the personality trait (exploration duration), and in two models for oak and lime, rodent species, were significant variables. Personality traits can create structured food niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camouflage is essential for animals to avoid predation or attract prey. Camouflage encompasses a spectrum of strategies aimed at rendering detection and recognition more challenging. Crypsis and masquerade emerge as the predominant manifestations of camouflage in the animal kingdom. Unveiling genetic mechanisms of camouflage requires cross-discipline integration, encompassing comparative genomics, population genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology. The approaches of ecological evolutionary developmental biology provide a pivotal role in deciphering the genetic bases of camouflage. Camouflage is a classic example of a trait wherein animals respond to natural selection to avoid predation or attract prey. This unique phenomenon has attracted significant recent attention and the rapid development of integrative research methods is facilitating advances in our understanding of the in-depth genetic mechanisms of camouflage. In this review article, we revisit camouflage definitions and strategies and then we examine the underlying mechanisms of the two most common forms of camouflage, crypsis and masquerade, that have recently been elucidated using multiple approaches. We also discuss unresolved questions related to camouflage. Ultimately, we highlight the implications of camouflage for informing various key issues in ecology and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live birth (viviparity) has arisen repeatedly and independently among animals. We sequenced the genome and transcriptome of the viviparous Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach and performed comparative analyses with two other viviparous insect lineages, tsetse flies and aphids, to unravel the basis underlying the transition to viviparity in insects. We identified pathways undergoing adaptive evolution for insects, involved in urogenital remodeling, tracheal system, heart development, and nutrient metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of cockroach and tsetse flies revealed that uterine remodeling and nutrient production are increased and the immune response is altered during pregnancy, facilitating structural and physiological changes to accommodate and nourish the progeny. These patterns of convergent evolution of viviparity among insects, together with similar adaptive mechanisms identified among vertebrates, highlight that the transition to viviparity requires changes in urogenital remodeling, enhanced tracheal and heart development (corresponding to angiogenesis in vertebrates), altered nutrient metabolism, and shifted immunity in animal systems.

This article is an interview with Ariel Waisman, a pluripotent stem cell biologist and principal investigator in Argentina. Waisman discusses his interest in science from a young age and his decision to pursue a career in biology. He talks about his experiences during his PhD and postdoc, including his time at Rockefeller University in New York. Waisman also discusses his transition to becoming a group leader and the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of support from institutions like FLENI and the Perez Companc Foundation in conducting research on human pluripotent stem cells. Waisman also expresses concern about the current situation for research in Argentina, citing funding difficulties and the potential dismantling of public scientific institutions. Outside of the lab, Waisman enjoys science communication and spending time with family. [Extracted from the article]

The historical challenges to bridge the gaps between developmental biology and population or statistical genetics under the explanatory dominance of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis during the 20th century have been thoroughly documented. However, although several attempts to integrate these fields have been made, most have been deemed unsuccessful. As an example of those efforts, in this paper I discuss the work of James Meadows Rendel, a student of J. B. S. Haldane and disciple of Conrad Hal Waddington. I present his largely forgotten or unrecognized, but innovative, ideas about canalization and the role of development in phylogeny as a valuable piece to connect these fields that could still have important ramifications for today's evolutionary biology. In fact, it is expected that the legacy of J. M. Rendel will be rediscovered, and more importantly, incorporated and extended by future researchers, in light of the growth of evolutionary developmental biology in the last decades. What is more, this case offers a chance to critically revisit standard historiographies about the dichotomy between developmental and population genetics research frameworks in 20th century biology. • Rendel's theory integrated various developmental and evolutionary processes. • Rendel's theoretical work is generally omitted or unrecognized in the literature. • J. M. Rendel can be seen as a forerunner for contemporary Evo-Devo approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo‐Devo) is flourishing in Latin America, particularly Argentina, where researchers are leveraging this integrative field to unlock the secrets of the region's remarkable biodiversity. A recent symposium held at the 5th Argentinean Meeting on Evolutionary Biology (RABE V) showcased a vibrant Evo‐Devo community and the diversity of its research endeavors. The symposium included 3 plenary talks, 3 short talks, and 12 posters, and spanned a range of organisms and approaches. Interestingly, the symposium highlighted a prevalence of "top‐down" Evo‐Devo studies in the region, where researchers first analyze existing diversity and then propose potential developmental mechanisms. This approach, driven in part by financial constraints and the region's historical focus on natural history, presents a unique opportunity to bridge disciplines like comparative biology, paleontology, and botany. The symposium's success underscores the vital role of Evo‐Devo in Latin America, not only for advancing our understanding of evolution but also for providing valuable tools to conserve and manage the region's irreplaceable biodiversity. As Evo‐Devo continues to grow in Latin America, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region and beyond will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this transformative field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 25 years, the field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo–devo) has used genomics and genetics to gain insight on the developmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of morphological diversity of animals. Evo–devo exploits the key insight that conserved toolkits of development (e.g. Hox genes) are used in animals to produce genetic novelties that provide adaptation to a new environment. Like development, immunity is forged by interactions with the environment, namely the microbial world. Yet, when it comes to the study of immune defence mechanisms in invertebrates, interest primarily focuses on evolutionarily conserved molecules also present in humans. Here, focusing on antiviral immunity, we argue that immune genes not conserved in humans represent an unexplored resource for the discovery of new antiviral strategies. We review recent findings on the cGAS-STING pathway and explain how cyclic dinucleotides produced by cGAS-like receptors may be used to investigate the portfolio of antiviral genes in a broad range of species. This will set the stage for evo–immuno approaches, exploiting the investment in antiviral defences made by metazoans over hundreds of millions of years of evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on recent discoveries in host-microbiome interactions, highlighting advancements in understanding host immune responses, microbial colonization dynamics, and the impact of modern genetic tools on studying these interactions. Topics include insights into host immune receptors and effector interactions with specific microbes and the specialization of microbial niches and metabolites affecting host physiology.

Morphology, the scientific discipline dealing with description and comparison of organismal form, is one of the oldest disciplines in biology and traditionally strongly linked to the concept of homology. With morphological data being used and morphological knowledge being applied in other (younger) biological disciplines, morphology has often been degraded to an only auxiliary discipline or a mere set of methods serving those other disciplines. While this notion has been wrong all along, the last decades have seen a renaissance of morphology mostly due to significant leaps in imaging techniques and the advent of 3D digital data. Modern large-scale morphological endeavors in what is called phenomics and new means of functional analyses underline the fruitfulness of morphological research. Furthermore, morphology has been revisited on a conceptual level leading to a "re- philosophication" of morphology acknowledging its nature as explanatory science. Based on Richter and Wirkner's research program of Evolutionary Morphology, this essay expands the conceptual framework to identify entities and processes vital for morphology as independent scientific discipline. With no unified homology concept in sight (and maybe not even desired), following the emergence of bio-ontologies in morphology, a plea is made for conceptual explicitness which acknowledges the plurality of homology concepts but enables intersubjective transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) is an air‐breathing freshwater fish species with a signature labyrinth organ capable of extracting oxygen from the air that helps these fish to survive in hypoxic environments. The appearance of this evolutionary innovation in anabantoids resulted in a rewired circulatory system, but also in the emergence of species‐specific behaviors, such as territorial display, courtship and parental care in the case of the paradise fish. Early zoologists were intrigued by the structure and function of the labyrinth apparatus and a series of detailed descriptive histological studies at the beginning of the 20th century revealed the ontogenesis and function of this specialized system. A few decades later, these fish became the subject of numerous ethological studies, and detailed ethograms of their behavior were constructed. These latter studies also demonstrated a strong genetic component underlying their behavior, but due to lack of adequate molecular tools, the fine genetic dissection of the behavior was not possible at the time. The technological breakthroughs that transformed developmental biology and behavioral genetics in the past decades, however, give us now a unique opportunity to revisit these old questions. Building on the classic descriptive studies, the new methodologies will allow us to follow the development of the labyrinth apparatus at a cellular resolution, reveal the genes involved in this process and also the genetic architecture behind the complex behaviors that we can observe in this species. Research Highlights: Paradise fish are air‐breathers, living in hypoxic freshwater environments and displaying complex innate behaviors. To help with gas exchange they have evolved a labyrinth organ which makes them a prime subject for evo‐devo studies, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the contributions of women in evolutionary developmental biology and celebrates their significant achievements in the field. Topics discussed include the impact of female researchers on the study of Drosophila development, advances in understanding sea urchin embryology and gene regulatory networks, and the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in mammals, including insights into human evolution.

BackgroundThrough the evolution of novel wing structures, bats (Order Chiroptera) became the only mammalian group to achieve powered flight. This achievement preceded the massive adaptive radiation of bats into diverse ecological niches. We investigate some of the developmental processes that underlie the origin and subsequent diversification of one of the novel membranes of the bat wing: the plagiopatagium, which connects the fore- and hind limb in all bat species.ResultsOur results suggest that the plagiopatagium initially arises through novel outgrowths from the body flank that subsequently merge with the limbs to generate the wing airfoil. Our findings further suggest that this merging process, which is highly conserved across bats, occurs through modulation of the programs controlling the development of the periderm of the epidermal epithelium. Finally, our results suggest that the shape of the plagiopatagium begins to diversify in bats only after this merging has occurred.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates how focusing on the evolution of cellular processes can inform an understanding of the developmental factors shaping the evolution of novel, highly adaptive structures.

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetically-regulated process of central importance in mammalian development and evolution. It involves multiple levels of regulation, with spatio-temporal heterogeneity, leading to the contextdependent and parent-of-origin specific expression of a small fraction of the genome. Genomic imprinting studies have therefore been essential to increase basic knowledge in functional genomics, evolution biology and developmental biology, as well as with regard to potential clinical and agrigenomic perspectives. Here we offer an overview on the contribution of livestock research, which features attractive resources in several respects, for better understanding genomic imprinting and its functional impacts. Given the related broad implications and complexity, we promote the use of such resources for studying genomic imprinting in a holistic and integrative view. We hope this mini-review will draw attention to the relevance of livestock genomic imprinting studies and stimulate research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo) has deepened our understanding of how intrinsic properties of embryogenesis, along with natural selection and population genetics, shape phenotypic diversity. A focal point of recent empirical and theoretical research is the idea that highly developmentally stable phenotypes are more conserved in evolution. Previously, we demonstrated that in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes), embryonic stages and genes with high stability, estimated through whole‐embryo RNA‐seq, are highly conserved in subsequent generations. However, the precise origin of the stability of gene expression levels evaluated at the whole‐embryo level remained unclear. Such stability could be attributed to two distinct sources: stable intracellular expression levels or spatially stable expression patterns. Here we demonstrate that stability observed in whole‐embryo RNA‐seq can be attributed to stability at the cellular level (low variability in gene expression at the cellular levels). We quantified the intercellular variations in expression levels and spatial gene expression patterns for seven key genes involved in patterning dorsoventral and rostrocaudal regions during early development in medaka. We evaluated intracellular variability by counting transcripts and found its significant correlation with variation observed in whole‐embryo RNA‐seq data. Conversely, variation in spatial gene expression patterns, assessed through intraindividual left–right asymmetry, showed no correlation. Given the previously reported correlation between stability and conservation of expression levels throughout embryogenesis, our findings suggest a potential general trend: the stability or instability of developmental systems—and the consequent evolutionary diversity—may be primarily anchored in intrinsic fundamental elements such as the variability of intracellular states. Research highlights: We investigated the precise origins of developmental stability that was previously determined by whole‐embryo RNA‐seq, given its significance in indicating the potential for phenotypic conservation during evolution.Our findings suggest that the developmental stability can be primarily attributed to stability in gene expression at the cellular level, rather than stability in spatial gene expression patterns.The result provides further insight into how embryogenesis introduces bias in phenotypic evolution, and thus paves the way for a deeper understanding of developmental stability that would enable the prediction of phenotypic evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disentangling the evolution of the molecular processes and genetic networks that facilitate the emergence of morphological novelties is one of the main objectives in evolutionary developmental biology. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history of a gene regulatory network controlling the development of novel tooth‐like feeding structures in diplogastrid nematodes. Focusing on NHR‐1 and NHR‐40, the two transcription factors that regulate the morphogenesis of these feeding structures in Pristionchus pacificus, we sought to determine whether they have a similar function in Caenorhabditis elegans, an outgroup species to the Diplogastridae which has typical "rhabditid" flaps instead of teeth. Contrary to our initial expectations, we found that they do not have a similar function. While both receptors are co‐expressed in the tissues that produce the feeding structures in the two nematodes, genetic inactivation of either receptor had no impact on feeding‐structure morphogenesis in C. elegans. Transcriptomic experiments revealed that NHR‐1 and NHR‐40 have highly species‐specific regulatory targets. These results suggest two possible evolutionary scenarios: either the genetic module responsible for feeding‐structure morphogenesis in Diplogastridae already existed in the last common ancestor of C. elegans and P. pacificus, and subsequently disintegrated in the former as NHR‐1 and NHR‐40 acquired new targets, or it evolved in conjunction with teeth in Diplogastridae. These findings indicate that feeding‐structure morphogenesis is regulated by different genetic programs in P. pacificus and C. elegans, hinting at developmental systems drift during the flap‐to‐tooth transformation. Further research in other "rhabditid" species is needed to fully reconstruct the developmental genetic changes which facilitated the evolution of novel feeding structures in Diplogastridae. Highlights: Combining CRISPR‐based mutagenesis, geometric morphometrics, and transcriptomics, we found that the genetic module governing the morphogenesis of novel feeding structures in diplogastrid nematodes is not conserved in the "rhabditid" Caenorhabditis elegans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: By examining species-specific innate behaviours, neuroethologists have characterized unique neural strategies and specializations from throughout the animal kingdom. Simultaneously, the field of evolutionary developmental biology (informally, "evo-devo") seeks to make inferences about animals' evolutionary histories through careful comparison of developmental processes between species, because evolution is the evolution of development. Yet despite the shared focus on cross-species comparisons, there is surprisingly little crosstalk between these two fields. Insights can be gleaned at the intersection of neuroethology and evo-devo. Every animal develops within an environment, wherein ecological pressures advantage some behaviours and disadvantage others. These pressures are reflected in the neurodevelopmental strategies employed by different animals across taxa. Summary: Vision is a system of particular interest for studying the adaptation of animals to their environments. The visual system enables a wide variety of animals across the vertebrate lineage to interact with their environments, presenting a fantastic opportunity to examine how ecological pressures have shaped animals' behaviours and developmental strategies. Applying a neuroethological lens to the study of visual development, we advance a novel theory that accounts for the evolution of spontaneous retinal waves, an important phenomenon in the development of the visual system, across the vertebrate lineage. Key Messages: We synthesize literature on spontaneous retinal waves from across the vertebrate lineage. We find that ethological considerations explain some cross-species differences in the dynamics of retinal waves. In zebrafish, retinal waves may be more important for the development of the retina itself, rather than the retinofugal projections. We additionally suggest empirical tests to determine whether Xenopus laevis experiences retinal waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of the lower beak in avian species and its role in shaping the overall beak morphology. While the upper beak has traditionally received more attention in research, the lower beak plays a critical role in feeding and may coordinate the shape of the upper beak. The article explores the anatomical and developmental differences between the upper and lower beaks and suggests that bone resorption in the lower beak may affect the shape of the upper beak. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between the length of the lower beak and the shape of the upper beak, as well as the genetic and developmental factors involved. [Extracted from the article]

Chara has been used as a model for decades in the field of plant physiology, enabling the investigation of fundamental physiological processes. In electrophysiological studies, Chara has been utilized thanks to its large internodal cells that can be easily manipulated. Additionally, Chara played a pioneering role in elucidating the presence and function of the cytoskeleton in cytoplasmic streaming, predating similar findings in terrestrial plants. Its representation considerably declined following the establishment and routine application of genetic transformation techniques in Arabidopsis. Nevertheless, the recent surge in evo-devo studies can be attributed to the whole genome sequencing of the Chara braunii, which has shed light on ancestral traits prevalent in land plants. Surprisingly, the Chara braunii genome encompasses numerous genes that were previously regarded as exclusive to land plants, suggesting their acquisition prior to the colonization of terrestrial habitats. This review summarizes the established methods used to study Chara, while incorporating recent molecular data, to showcase its renewed importance as a model organism in advancing plant evolutionary developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The hammerhead sharks (family Sphyrnidae) are an immediately recognizable group of sharks due to their unique head shape. Though there has long been an interest in hammerhead development, there are currently no explicit staging tables published for any members of the group. The bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo is the smallest member of Sphyrnidae and is abundant in estuarine and nearshore waters in the Gulf of Mexico and Western North Atlantic Ocean. Due to their relative abundance, close proximity to shore, and brief gestation period, it has been possible to collect and document multiple embryonic specimens at progressive stages of development. Results: We present the first comprehensive embryonic staging series for the Bonnethead, a viviparous hammerhead shark. Our stage series covers a period of development from stages that match the vertebrate phylotypic period, from Stage 23, through stages of morphological divergence to complete development at birth—Stage 35). Notably, we use a variety of techniques to document crucial stages that lead to their extreme craniofacial diversity, resulting in the formation of one of the most distinctive characters of any shark species, the cephalofoil or hammer‐like head. Conclusion: Documenting the development of hard‐to‐access vertebrates, like this viviparous shark species, offers important information about how new and diverse morphologies arise that otherwise may remain poorly studied. This work will serve as a platform for future comparative developmental research both within sharks and across the phylogeny of vertebrates, underpinning the extreme potential of craniofacial development and morphological diversity in vertebrate animals. Key Findings: A staging series for one of the smallest hammerhead species.Observing the developmental timing and growth of fins and cephalofoil in hammerheads.This work will serve as a platform for future comparative developmental research both with hammerhead sharks and across chondrichthyan fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Known as a diverse collection of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) can be hyperbolically characterized as a dynamic pseudo-organ, a living organism able to build a complex, open, hierarchically organized, self-sustainable, and self-renewable tumor system, a population, a species, a local community, a biocenosis, or an evolving dynamical ecosystem (i.e., immune or metabolic ecosystem) that emphasizes both developmental continuity and spatio-temporal change. Moreover, a cancer cell community, also known as an oncobiota, has been described as non-sexually reproducing species, as well as a migratory or invasive species that expresses intelligent behavior, or an endangered or parasite species that fights to survive, to optimize its features inside the host's ecosystem, or that is able to exploit or to disrupt its host circadian cycle for improving the own proliferation and spreading. BC tumorigenesis has also been compared with the early embryo and placenta development that may suggest new strategies for research and therapy. Furthermore, BC has also been characterized as an environmental disease or as an ecological disorder. Many mechanisms of cancer progression have been explained by principles of ecology, developmental biology, and evolutionary paradigms. Many authors have discussed ecological, developmental, and evolutionary strategies for more successful anti-cancer therapies, or for understanding the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of BC exploitable vulnerabilities. Herein, we used the integrated framework of three well known ecological theories: the Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development, the Vannote's River Continuum Concept (RCC), and the Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Eco-Evo-Devo) theory, to explain and understand several eco-evo-devo-based principles that govern BC progression. Multi-omics fields, taken together as onco-breastomics, offer better opportunities to integrate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of complex heterogeneous data, such as various and big-omics data obtained by multiple investigative modalities, for understanding the eco-evo-devo-based principles that drive BC progression and treatment. These integrative eco-evo-devo theories can help clinicians better diagnose and treat BC, for example, by using non-invasive biomarkers in liquid-biopsies that have emerged from integrated omics-based data that accurately reflect the biomolecular landscape of the primary tumor in order to avoid mutilating preventive surgery, like bilateral mastectomy. From the perspective of preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine, these hypotheses may help patients to think about this disease as a process governed by natural rules, to understand the possible causes of the disease, and to gain control on their own health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mammalian fertilization initiates the reprogramming of oocytes and sperm, forming a totipotent zygote. During this intricate process, the zygotic genome undergoes a maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) and subsequent zygotic genome activation (ZGA), marking the initiation of transcriptional control and gene expression post-fertilization. Histone modifications are pivotal in shaping cellular identity and gene expression in many mammals. Recent advances in chromatin analysis have enabled detailed explorations of histone modifications during ZGA. This review delves into conserved and unique regulatory strategies, providing essential insights into the dynamic changes in histone modifications and their variants during ZGA in mammals. The objective is to explore recent advancements in leading mechanisms related to histone modifications governing this embryonic development phase in depth. These considerations will be useful for informing future therapeutic approaches that target epigenetic regulation in diverse biological contexts. It will also contribute to the extensive areas of evolutionary and developmental biology and possibly lay the foundation for future research and discussion on this seminal topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central goal of evolutionary developmental biology is to decipher the evolutionary pattern of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that control embryonic development, and the mechanism underlying GRNs evolution. The Nodal signaling that governs the body axes of deuterostomes exhibits a conserved GRN orchestrated principally by Nodal, Gdf1/3, and Lefty. Here we show that this GRN has been rewired in cephalochordate amphioxus. We found that while the amphioxus Gdf1/3 ortholog exhibited nearly no embryonic expression, its duplicate Gdf1/3-like, linked to Lefty, was zygotically expressed in a similar pattern as Lefty. Consistent with this, while Gdf1/3-like mutants showed defects in axial development, Gdf1/3 mutants did not. Further transgenic analyses showed that the intergenic region between Gdf1/3-like and Lefty could drive reporter gene expression as that of the two genes. These results indicated that Gdf1/3-like has taken over the axial development role of Gdf1/3 in amphioxus, possibly through hijacking Lefty enhancers. We finally demonstrated that, to compensate for the loss of maternal Gdf1/3 expression, Nodal has become an indispensable maternal factor in amphioxus and its maternal mutants caused axial defects as Gdf1/3-like mutants. We therefore demonstrated a case that the evolution of GRNs could be triggered by enhancer hijacking events. This pivotal event has allowed the emergence of a new GRN in extant amphioxus, presumably through a stepwise process. In addition, the co-expression of Gdf1/3-like and Lefty achieved by a shared regulatory region may have provided robustness during body axis formation, which provides a selection-based hypothesis for the phenomena called developmental system drift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid, human-induced changes in the Earth system during the Anthropocene present humanity with critical sustainability challenges. Social–ecological systems (SES) research provides multiple approaches for understanding the complex interactions between humans, social systems, and environments and how we might direct them towards healthier and more resilient futures. However, general theories of SES change have yet to be fully developed. Formal evolutionary theory has been applied as a dynamic theory of change of complex phenomena in biology and the social sciences, but rarely in SES research. In this paper, we explore the connections between both fields, hoping to foster collaboration. After sketching out the distinct intellectual traditions of SES research and evolutionary theory, we map some of their terminological and theoretical connections. We then provide examples of how evolutionary theory might be incorporated into SES research through the use of systems mapping to identify evolutionary processes in SES, the application of concepts from evolutionary developmental biology to understand the connections between systems changes and evolutionary changes, and how evolutionary thinking may help design interventions for beneficial change. Integrating evolutionary theory and SES research can lead to a better understanding of SES changes and positive interventions for a more sustainable Anthropocene. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolution and sustainability: gathering the strands for an Anthropocene synthesis'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay I reassess the scholarship on Jung's reception of Kant and the influence of German biology and the Naturphilopshen on his thinking. In the extant literature on Jung and Kant it has been argued that Jung misread Kant. I argue that this position is based on a limited understanding of Kant's work, one which fails to consider Kant's theories on the affect-based nature of aesthetic experience as outlined in Critique of Judgment (1790). I also explore connections between the Naturphilopshen , Jung and contemporary developmental evolutionary biology. This approach will enable me to reconsider German biology from Kant to Jung in the context of contemporary evolutionary and cognitive science. More specifically, I look at how forms of minimal phenomenal experience, in which the spatiotemporal structures of consciousness are annulled, can help us develop a new approach to analytical psychology and altered states of consciousness grounded in contemporary evolutionary science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of tooth morphology is fundamental for the taxonomic and evolutionary comprehension of mammals. However, dental abnormalities can lead to misidentifications and species invalidations. We present two distinctive dental anomalies observed in Myotis riparius: (i) hypodontia, characterized by the absence of the second upper premolar (P3) on both sides of the dental arch in an adult male from Panama, and (ii) polyodontia, characterized by the presence of three upper incisors on one side of the dental arch in an adult male from Brazil. We discuss the genetic and ecological bases of these anomalies and the importance of these case reports for understanding the evolutionary developmental biology of bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism is an import phenomenon in avian kingdom. Through this, birds maintain their reproductive life. In this regard, the birds in dove group are very diversified creatures. A critical review of a renowned book, 33 species of doves were shown pronounced sexual dimorphism. For continuing the mode of breeding status and evolutionary divergence, this write-up could enhance the future guide readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Evolutionary Developmental Biology (in abbreviation Evo-Devo) gains in popularity among psychologists. It would be a "synthesis of development and evolution" which would finally allow a rapprochement of psychology and biology. The Evo-Devo redefines epigenetics and opposes it to the (alleged) genetic determinism, genetic reductionism and preformationism of the Modern Synthesis (MS), proposes the concept of the extended inheritance and a mechanism of inheritance of acquired characters, which are claimed to be (neo-) Lamarckian, fuses the three questions separated by the MS: the origin of variation, fate of variation and inheritance of variation. These points of the Evo-Devo's programme particularly resonate with psychologists' expectations: genes alone do not explain the question of transgenerationality, the ontogeny of the attachment, e.g. early experience with caregivers (e.g. separation and loss) have a long-term effects on adult development can span a person's lifetime, can even span generations. However, in the paper I show that the inheritance of acquired characters is indeed impossible, that Lamarck never proposed a theory of the inheritance of acquired characters and that it is a confusion rather than fusion to link the question of the origin of variation, the question of development and the one of inheritance. If the Evo-Devo is so appealing to psychologists, it is not because there is "a new biology for psychology." I show that psychologists' attitude towards monism was ambivalent and such was the relationship between psychology and biology. The paper is a standpoint of a philosopher of biology interested in psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Heterochrony—alteration to the rate or timing of development—is an important mechanism of trait differentiation associated with speciation. Heterochrony may explain the morphological divergence between two polyploid species, June sucker (Chasmistes liorus) and Utah sucker (Catostomus ardens). The larvae of both species have terminal mouths; however, as adults, June sucker and Utah sucker develop subterminal and ventral mouths, respectively. We document a difference in the timing of shape development and a corresponding change in the timing of gene expression, suggesting the distinctive mouth morphology in June suckers may result from paedomorphosis. Specifically, adult June suckers exhibit an intermediate mouth morphology between the larval (terminal) and ancestral (ventral) states. Endemic and sympatric Chasmistes/Catostomus pairs in two other lakes also are morphologically divergent, but genetically similar. These species pairs could have resulted from the differential expression of genes and corresponding divergence in trait development. Paedomorphosis may lead to adaptive diversification in Catostomids.

Summary: The evolution of gene expression programs underlying the development of vertebrates remains poorly characterized. Here, we present a comprehensive proteome atlas of the model chordate Ciona, covering eight developmental stages and ∼7,000 translated genes, accompanied by a multi-omics analysis of co-evolution with the vertebrate Xenopus. Quantitative proteome comparisons argue against the widely held hourglass model, based solely on transcriptomic profiles, whereby peak conservation is observed during mid-developmental stages. Our analysis reveals maximal divergence at these stages, particularly gastrulation and neurulation. Together, our work provides a valuable resource for evaluating conservation and divergence of multi-omics profiles underlying the diversification of vertebrates.

The article discusses the use of aquatic organisms as models for biomedical research and evolutionary developmental biology. It highlights the historical contributions of John Bland Sutton and Krogh in using animal biology to draw conclusions about human diseases. The article emphasizes the advantages of studying aquatic life, such as their ease of breeding and genetic manipulation, transparency for imaging, and regenerative abilities. It also provides examples of specific aquatic organisms that have been studied and their contributions to understanding reproductive biology, neuronal development, regeneration, and cancer. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of collaboration, standardization, and resource preservation in research organism communities. [Extracted from the article]

This comprehensive review presents a comparative analysis of early embryogenesis in Protostomia and Deuterostomia, the first of which exhibit a mosaic pattern of development, where cells are fated deterministically, while Deuterostomia display a regulatory pattern of development, where the fate of cells is indeterminate. Despite these fundamental differences, there are common transcriptional mechanisms that underline their evolutionary linkages, particularly in the field of functional genomics. By elucidating both conserved and unique regulatory strategies, this review provides essential insights into the comparative embryology and developmental dynamics of these groups. The objective of this review is to clarify the shared and distinctive characteristics of transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. This will contribute to the extensive areas of functional genomics, evolutionary biology and developmental biology, and possibly lay the foundation for future research and discussion on this seminal topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, there have been repeated calls for more integration across evolutionary and developmental biology. However, critiques in the literature and recent funding initiatives suggest this integration remains incomplete. We suggest one way forward is to consider how we elaborate the most basic concept of development, the relationship between genotype and phenotype, in traditional models of evolutionary processes. For some questions, when more complex features of development are accounted for, predictions of evolutionary processes shift. We present a primer on concepts of development to clarify confusion in the literature and fuel new questions and approaches. The basic features of development involve expanding a base model of genotype‐to‐phenotype to include the genome, space, and time. A layer of complexity is added by incorporating developmental systems, including signal‐response systems and networks of interactions. The developmental emergence of function, which captures developmental feedbacks and phenotypic performance, offers further model elaborations that explicitly link fitness with developmental systems. Finally, developmental features such as plasticity and developmental niche construction conceptualize the link between a developing phenotype and the external environment, allowing for a fuller inclusion of ecology in evolutionary models. Incorporating aspects of developmental complexity into evolutionary models also accommodates a more pluralistic focus on the causal importance of developmental systems, individual organisms, or agents in generating evolutionary patterns. Thus, by laying out existing concepts of development, and considering how they are used across different fields, we can gain clarity in existing debates around the extended evolutionary synthesis and pursue new directions in evolutionary developmental biology. Finally, we consider how nesting developmental features in traditional models of evolution can highlight areas of evolutionary biology that need more theoretical attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a workshop titled "Agency in Living Systems" that was held at the Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research in Austria. The workshop explored the concept of biological agency and how it can contribute to evolutionary developmental biology. The participants discussed diverse perspectives on what constitutes agency in organisms and how it can shape development and evolution. The article also highlights the potential benefits of incorporating agential perspectives into research efforts in various biological fields. [Extracted from the article]

What is a biological individual? How are biological individuals individuated? How can we tell how many individuals there are in a given assemblage of biological entities? The individuation and differentiation of biological individuals are central to the scientific understanding of living beings. I propose a novel criterion of biological individuality according to which biological individuals are autonomous agents. First, I articulate an ecological–dynamical account of natural agency according to which, agency is the gross dynamical capacity of a goal‐directed system to bias its repertoire to respond to its conditions as affordances. Then, I argue that agents or agential dynamical systems can be agentially dependent on, or agentially autonomous from, other agents and that this agential dependence/autonomy can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, strong or weak. Biological individuals, I propose, are all and only those agential dynamical systems that are strongly agentially autonomous. So, to determine how many individuals there are in a given multiagent aggregate, such as multicellular organism, a colony, symbiosis, or a swarm, we first have to identify how many agential dynamical systems there are, and then what their relations of agential dependence/autonomy are. I argue that this criterion is adequate to the extent that it vindicates the paradigmatic cases, and explains why the paradigmatic cases are paradigmatic, and why the problematic cases are problematic. Finally, I argue for the importance of distinguishing between agential and causal dependence and show the relevance of agential autonomy for understanding the explanatory structure of evolutionary developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An agent‐based perspective in the study of complex systems is well established in diverse disciplines, yet is only beginning to be applied to evolutionary developmental biology. In this essay, we begin by defining agency and associated terminology formally. We then explore the assumptions and predictions of an agency perspective, apply these to select processes and key concept areas relevant to practitioners of evolutionary developmental biology, and consider the potential epistemic roles that an agency perspective might play in evo devo. Throughout, we discuss evidence supportive of agential dynamics in biological systems relevant to evo devo and explore where agency thinking may enrich the explanatory reach of research efforts in evolutionary developmental biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The biofouling marine tube worm, Hydroides elegans, is an indirect developing polychaete with significance as a model organism for questions in developmental biology and the evolution of host‐microbe interactions. However, a complete description of the life cycle from fertilization through sexual maturity remains scattered in the literature, and lacks standardization. Results and discussion: Here, we present a unified staging scheme synthesizing the major morphological changes that occur during the entire life cycle of the animal. These data represent a complete record of the life cycle, and serve as a foundation for connecting molecular changes with morphology. Conclusions: The present synthesis and associated staging scheme are especially timely as this system gains traction within research communities. Characterizing the Hydroides life cycle is essential for investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive major developmental transitions, like metamorphosis, in response to bacteria. Key Findings: We have composed a staging scheme that summarizes the entire life cycle of Hydroides elegans. This includes early development, gastrulation, larval phases, metamorphosis, and post‐settlement maturation. Coalescing these periods in development into this staging scheme will further propel Hydroides forward as an important developmental model for the investigation of bacteria‐stimulated metamorphosis, among other exciting future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HD superfamily has been studied in detail for several decades. The plant-specific HD-Zip I subfamily attracts the most attention because of its involvement in plant development and stress responses. In this review, we provide a comprehensive insight into the evolutionary events responsible for the functional redundancy and diversification of the HD-Zip I genes in regulating various biological processes. We summarized the evolutionary history of the HD-Zip family, highlighting the important role of WGDs in its expansion and divergence of retained duplicates in the genome. To determine the relationship between the evolutionary origin and functional conservation of HD-Zip I in different species, we performed a phylogenetic analysis, compared their expression profiles in different tissues and under stress and traced the role of orthologs and paralogs in regulating developmental processes. We found that HD-Zip I from different species have similar gene structures with a highly conserved HD and Zip, bind to the same DNA sequences and are involved in similar biological processes. However, they exhibit a functional diversity, which is manifested in altered expression patterns. Some of them are involved in the regulation of species-specific leaf morphology and phenotypes. Here, we discuss the role of changes in functional domains involved in DNA binding and protein interaction of HD-Zip I and in cis-regulated regions of its target genes in promoting adaptive innovations through the formation of de novo regulatory systems. Understanding the role of the HD-Zip I subfamily in organism-environment interactions remains a challenge for evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise developmental control of jaw length is critical for survival, but underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The jaw skeleton arises from neural crest mesenchyme (NCM), and we previously demonstrated that these progenitor cells express more bone-resorbing enzymes including Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp13) when they generate shorter jaws in quail embryos versus longer jaws in duck. Moreover, if we inhibit bone resorption or Mmp13, we can increase jaw length. In the current study, we uncover mechanisms establishing species-specific levels of Mmp13 and bone resorption. Quail show greater activation of and sensitivity to transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling than duck; where intracellular mediators like SMADs and targets like Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), which bind Mmp13, become elevated. Inhibiting TGFβ signaling decreases bone resorption, and overexpressing Mmp13 in NCM shortens the duck lower jaw. To elucidate the basis for this differential regulation, we examine the Mmp13 promoter. We discover a SMAD-binding element and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near a RUNX2-binding element that distinguish quail from duck. Altering the SMAD site and switching the SNPs abolish TGFβ sensitivity in the quail Mmp13 promoter but make the duck promoter responsive. Thus, differential regulation of TGFβ signaling and Mmp13 promoter structure underlie avian jaw development and evolution.

The article discusses the concept of evolvability and its significance in evolutionary biology. The authors argue that evolvability, which refers to the factors that influence an evolutionary system's ability to evolve, is a crucial addition to evolutionary theory. They highlight the diverse conceptions of evolvability within different fields of biology and emphasize the need for a comprehensive synthesis of these ideas. The article also explores the challenges in defining evolvability and the potential for it to bridge gaps in our understanding of evolution. While the authors acknowledge the historical roots of evolvability research, they suggest that a more focused and restricted definition is necessary for further development. They also note the missed opportunities in exploring the relationship between evolvability and sex, as well as the role of environmental change in evolvability. Despite these limitations, the article concludes that the book reviewed is a significant step towards understanding and integrating evolvability into modern evolutionary theory. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Background Through the evolution of novel wing structures, bats (Order Chiroptera) became the only mammalian group to achieve powered flight. This achievement preceded the massive adaptive radiation of bats into diverse ecological niches. We investigate some of the developmental processes that underlie the origin and subsequent diversification of one of the novel membranes of the bat wing: the plagiopatagium, which connects the fore- and hind limb in all bat species. Results Our results suggest that the plagiopatagium initially arises through novel outgrowths from the body flank that subsequently merge with the limbs to generate the wing airfoil. Our findings further suggest that this merging process, which is highly conserved across bats, occurs through modulation of the programs controlling the development of the periderm of the epidermal epithelium. Finally, our results suggest that the shape of the plagiopatagium begins to diversify in bats only after this merging has occurred. Conclusions This study demonstrates how focusing on the evolution of cellular processes can inform an understanding of the developmental factors shaping the evolution of novel, highly adaptive structures.

Summary: The cranial muscle is a critical component in the vertebrate head for a predatory lifestyle. However, its evolutionary origin and possible segmental nature during embryogenesis have been controversial. In jawed vertebrates, the presence of pre-otic segments similar to trunk somites has been claimed based on developmental observations. However, evaluating such arguments has been hampered by the paucity of research on jawless vertebrates. Here, we discovered different cellular arrangements in the head mesoderm in lamprey embryos (Lethenteron camtschaticum) using serial block-face scanning electron and laser scanning microscopies. These cell populations were morphologically and molecularly different from somites. Furthermore, genetic comparison among deuterostomes revealed that mesodermal gene expression domains were segregated antero-posteriorly in vertebrates, whereas such segregation was not recognized in invertebrate deuterostome embryos. These findings indicate that the vertebrate head mesoderm evolved from the anteroposterior repatterning of an ancient mesoderm and developmentally diversified before the split of jawless and jawed vertebrates.

Spiralians, one of the major clades of bilaterians, share a unique development known as spiralian development, characterized by the formation of tiers of cells called quartets, which exhibit different developmental potentials along the animal–vegetal axis. Recently, spiralian‐specific TALE‐type homeobox genes (SPILE) have been identified, some of which show zygotic and staggered expression patterns along the animal–vegetal axis and function in quartet specification in mollusks. However, it is unclear which maternal molecular components control the zygotic expression of these transcription factors. In this study, we focused on SPILE‐E, a maternal transcription factor, and investigated its expression and function in mollusks. We found that the maternal and ubiquitous expression of SPILE‐E in the cleavage stages is conserved in molluskan species, including limpets, mussels, and chitons. We knocked down SPILE‐E in limpets and revealed that the expression of transcription factors specifically expressed in the first quartet (1q2; foxj1b) and second quartet (2q; SPILE‐B) was abolished, whereas the macromere‐quartet marker (SPILE‐C) was ectopically expressed in 1q2 in SPILE‐E morphants. Moreover, we showed that the expression of SPILE‐A, which upregulates SPILE‐B but represses SPILE‐C expression, decreased in SPILE‐E morphants. Consistent with changes in the expression pattern of the above transcription factors, SPILE‐E‐morphant larvae exhibited patchy or complete loss of expression of marker genes of ciliated cells and shell fields, possibly reflecting incomplete specification of 1q2 and 2q. Our results provide a molecular framework for quartet specification and highlight the importance of maternal lineage‐specific transcription factors in the development and evolution of spiralians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the concept of phenotypic convergence, where similar traits evolve independently in different lineages due to shared selective pressures. It focuses on the evolution of the placenta in closely related fish species (Poeciliidae) as a case study. It further reveals two distinct types of placental structures and examines their genetic and morphological differences.