Scientists Discover Mechanism That Generates Our Fingers, Toes

The mechanism responsible for generating our fingers and toes has been revealed by scientists. By combining genetic studies with mathematical modelling, Dr. Marie Kmita and her research team at the IRCM provided experimental evidence supporting a theoretical model for pattern formation known as the Turing mechanism.

In 1952, mathematician Alan Turing proposed mathematical equations for pattern formation, which describes how two uniformly-distributed substances, an activator and a repressor, trigger the formation of complex shapes and structures from initially-equivalent cells.

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"The Turing model for pattern formation has long remained under debate, mostly due to the lack of experimental data supporting it," Dr. Rushikesh Sheth, co-first author of the study, said.

"By studying the role of Hox genes during limb development, we were able to show, for the first time, that the patterning process that generates our fingers and toes relies on a Turing-like mechanism," Sheth said.

In humans, as in other mammals, the embryo's development is controlled, in part, by "architect" genes known as Hox genes.

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These genes are essential to the proper positioning of the body's architecture, and define the nature and function of cells that form organs and skeletal elements.

"Our genetic study suggested that Hox genes act as modulators of a Turing-like mechanism, which was further supported by mathematical tests performed by our collaborators, Dr. James Sharpe and his team," Dr. Marie Kmita said.

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"Moreover, we showed that drastically reducing the dose of Hox genes in mice transforms fingers into structures reminiscent of the extremities of fish fins. These findings further support the key role of Hox genes in the transition of fins to limbs during evolution, one of the most important anatomical innovations associated with the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life," she said.

The study has been published in the journal Science.

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Source-ANI