Environmental Thermal Stress Induces Neuronal Cell Death and Developmental Malformations in Reptiles.

ABSTRACT: Every stage of organismal life history is being challenged by global warming. Many species are already experiencing temperatures approaching their physiological limits; this is particularly true for ectothermic species, such as lizards. Embryos are markedly sensitive to thermal insult. Here, we demonstrate that temperatures currently experienced in natural nesting areas can modify gene expression levels and induce neural and craniofacial malformations in embryos of the lizard Anolis sagrei. Developmental abnormalities ranged from minor changes in facial structure to significant disruption of anterior face and forebrain. The first several days of postoviposition development are particularly sensitive to this thermal insult. These results raise new concern over the viability of ectoth

SUBMITTER: Sanger TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8643577 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature