Comparative analysis of squamate brains unveils multi-level variation in cerebellar architecture associated with locomotor specialization.

ABSTRACT: Ecomorphological studies evaluating the impact of environmental and biological factors on the brain have so far focused on morphology or size measurements, and the ecological relevance of potential multi-level variations in brain architecture remains unclear in vertebrates. Here, we exploit the extraordinary ecomorphological diversity of squamates to assess brain phenotypic diversification with respect to locomotor specialization, by integrating single-cell distribution and transcriptomic data along with geometric morphometric, phylogenetic, and volumetric analysis of high-definition 3D models. We reveal significant changes in cerebellar shape and size as well as alternative spatial layouts of cortical neurons and dynamic gene expression that all correlate with locomotor behaviours. These

SUBMITTER: Macri S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6895188 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature