The embryology of the retinal pigmented epithelium in dwarf geckos (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylinae): a unique developmental pattern

BMC Developmental Biology

Aaron M Bauer¹  Juan D Daza³  Ricardo A Guerra-Fuentes² 

[1] Biology Department, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085-1699, USA;Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo, CP 42.494, 04218-970 São Paulo, Brazil;Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, 1900 Avenue I, Huntsville, TX 77341-2116, USA

关键词: Conjunctival papillae;    Concaviclivate temporal fovea;    Eye development;    Squamata;   

Others  :  1084982
DOI  :  10.1186/1471-213X-14-29

 received in 2013-07-31, accepted in 2014-06-12,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

The retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) is a rounded shaped structure in almost all lizards. In the New World dwarf geckos, this structure shows an unusual morphology. In addition to this ocular character, we describe notable differences in the development of these geckos in comparison with available developmental staging tables for other geckos and squamate reptiles.

Results

We identified two main patterns of development of the RPE for squamates. These patterns were mapped onto a metatree of concordant hypotheses of squamates based on molecular data. During post-ovopositional stages the representative species of sphaerodactyls exhibit a RPE layer that transforms gradually from an ovoid form into the generalized spherical form. Sphaerodactyls are the only group of squamates in which this pattern is known.

Conclusions

This transition might be circumstantial evidence that the accessory RPE plays a role in providing additional protection for their apomorphic concaviclivate temporal fovea. We also report the presence of conjunctival papillae in a developmental stage prior to the formation of scleral ossicles. This developmental progression is similar to that of birds and turtles.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Guerra-Fuentes et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

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