Convergent Evolution Has Led to the Loss of Claw Proteins in Snakes and Worm Lizards

December 2024 in “ Genome Biology and Evolution ”

Karin Brigit Holthaus, Julia Steinbinder, Attila Placido Sachslehner, Leopold Eckhart

type I keratins type II keratins epidermal differentiation complex EDC EDYM1 EDCCs pseudogenes epithelial cell architecture keratins proteomic analysis epithelial cells

TLDR Snakes and worm lizards lost claw proteins due to similar evolutionary changes.

The study investigates the evolutionary loss of claw proteins in the Florida worm lizard (Rhineura floridana) and snakes, focusing on the degeneration of genes associated with claw functions. Researchers examined three gene families related to epithelial cell architecture: type I keratins, type II keratins, and the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). They found that genes homologous to mammalian hair and nail keratins have become pseudogenes in R. floridana, and EDC genes like EDYM1 and EDCCs are absent. These genes are present in clawed lizards but not in snakes. Proteomic analysis of the bearded dragon's claws confirmed the presence of these proteins in squamates. The findings suggest that the evolution of a limbless body in these species is linked to the convergent loss of claw keratins and differentiation genes.

View this study on doi.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Does ketoconazole shampoo fry your hair ?

in Ketoconazole 7 upvotes 1 week ago

Ketoconazole shampoo can dry out hair, causing it to become frizzy and less manageable. Users suggest using conditioner, trying different shampoos, or reducing the frequency of ketoconazole use to mitigate these effects.

community 2 months topical dutasteride plus minoxidil, very happy with the results!

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 339 upvotes 4 years ago

A user's success in treating their hair loss with 2x daily topical dutasteride and minoxidil, as well as the potential for using less frequent application of topical dutasteride due to its long half-life.

community Are carbohydrates needed for hair growth

in Research/Science 26 upvotes 1 year ago

A 47-year-old male experienced significant hair loss after losing 37 kg in 6 months on a low-carb diet and started taking biotin, zinc, iron, selenium, and spectral dcn-n. Replies suggest that while carbs are not directly needed for hair growth, they help regulate hormones and nutrient absorption, and rapid weight loss can also contribute to hair loss.

community Dry hair after minoxidil, can i add oil something after minoxidil?

in Minoxidil 6 upvotes 2 years ago

The user experiences dry hair after using minoxidil and asks if they can use oil afterward, specifically Lanza Keratin Healing Oil. They seek advice on how long to wait before applying the oil and what type of oil to use.

community I’m Quitting ketoconazole shampoo

in Ketoconazole 2 upvotes 1 year ago

A user is quitting ketoconazole shampoo, believing it worsened their hair condition, and plans to use clarifying, keratin, and pH balanced moisturizing shampoos instead. Another user suggests using conditioner after ketoconazole to prevent dryness.

community 7 years on oral finasteride/topical minoxidil/ket (Pics included). Losing ground... what more can I do to stop the loss and gain more hair?

in Update 26 upvotes 3 years ago

A user's journey to try and stop their hair loss, including the use of oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, Cynatine Keratin supplements, and The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density; and advice from other users regarding trying dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and lifestyle changes.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Convergent Evolution Has Led to the Loss of Claw Proteins in Snakes and Worm Lizards

December 2024 in “Genome Biology and Evolution”

Snakes and worm lizards lost claw proteins due to similar evolutionary changes.