Elucidation of the evolutionarily acquired molecular mechanisms that induce the unique axial elongation in snakes

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K19295
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 45:Biology at organismal to population levels and anthropology, and related fields
• Research Institution: Osaka Metropolitan University (2022-2023); Nagoya University (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Suzuki Takayuki 大阪公立大学, 大学院理学研究科, 教授 (40451629)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 進化 / 発生学 / 脊椎骨 / ヘビ / 次世代シークエンス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Snakes possess unique morphological features distinct from other vertebrates, such as the degeneration of limbs and an exceptionally high number of vertebrae. These characteristics make them highly intriguing subjects for evolutionary studies. The slender and elongated body of snakes is one of their most distinctive morphological traits, capturing the interest of not only scientists but also humanity throughout history. In this study, we successfully identified several candidate genes responsible for the elongated body of snakes through comparative gene expression analysis between snakes and other species. Since the genetic causes behind the long bodies of snakes have remained completely unknown until now, this research is expected to significantly contribute to unraveling the mysteries of snake evolution.

Free Research Field

進化発生学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ヘビは手足の退化や非常に多くの脊椎骨を持つなど、他の脊椎動物とは異なる特異な形態的特徴を持つ。このため進化学の分野において極めて魅力的な研究対象である。ヘビの細くて長い体の特徴は、ヘビの形態の中でも最も特徴的な形態要素の一つとして、科学者だけではなく昔から人類の興味の対象であった。本研究では、ヘビと他の生物種との遺伝子発現の比較解析からヘビで長い胴体を作る候補遺伝子を複数同定することに成功した。これまでヘビの長い胴体を作る原因遺伝子は全く明らかにされていないため、本研究はヘビの進化の謎の解明に大きく貢献すると考えられる。