Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/unveiling-the-hidden-genetic-blueprint-behind-the-evolution-of-bat-wings-through-single-cell-analysis/
A groundbreaking study published in Nature sheds new light on the evolutionary innovations behind bat wing development. By employing comparative single-cell analyses, researchers have uncovered how a conserved genetic program has been repurposed over millions of years to shape the unique anatomy of bat wings. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of bat evolution but also highlights the dynamic flexibility of genetic pathways in driving the diversity of life’s forms.
Comparative Single-Cell Analysis Sheds Light on Bat Wing Evolution
The comprehensive single-cell analyses conducted across multiple species have uncovered a fascinating evolutionary twist in the genetic blueprint responsible for limb formation. By charting the activity of individual cells during key developmental stages, researchers identified that bats have repurposed a highly conserved gene program, originally shared with other mammals, to facilitate the growth of their uniquely elongated wings. This evolutionary innovation highlights how small shifts in gene regulation, rather than wholesale changes in genetic code, can produce dramatic morphological adaptations.
Key findings emphasize the role of cell-type-specific gene expression changes and the dynamic interplay of signaling pathways that drive bat wing expansion. Some notable aspects include:
- Enhanced proliferation of connective tissue progenitors in bat forelimbs
- Modulation of growth factor responses absent in other mammalian…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-08-13 19:02:00
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