| Abstract:
The bat is a mammal with several similarities to mice, but with a unique forelimb morphology. This includes webbed wings that allow for powered flight. Little is known about the timing of differentiation of the forelimbs during development, or the sequence of genetic expression that leads to this unique forelimb. In order to address this, we scanned 10 developmental stages of Carolliaperspicillata, a phylostomid microbat, using micro-computed tomography and present an external view of these stages and look at the changing morphology. This included examination of the developmental morphology of the internal anatomy of CaroIlia perspicillata, and specifically both external and internal morphologies of the developing forelimb. These techniques were used together to identify developmental stages to use for whole-mount in situ hybridizations in order to examine the expression of the potential digit patterning gene, Cyp26bl in the developing forelimb. These methods led to identification of temporal
and spatial expression of Cyp26bl in the bat. When compared to mouse, the expression pattern in the bat was spatially similar, although possible temporal differences were uncovered. Future studies are needed to identify other genes that influence the unique forelimb development of the bat. |