Insights into the formation and diversification of a novel chiropteran wing membrane from embryonic development.

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 pr

SUBMITTER: Anthwal N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10161559 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature