The Story of the Finest Armor: Developmental Aspects of Reptile Skin

January 2023 in “ Journal of Developmental Biology ”

Melodi Yenmiş, Dinçer Ayaz

TLDR Reptile skin protects and prevents water loss, helping them adapt to land.

The document reviews the development and structure of reptile skin, emphasizing its role as a protective barrier. Reptile skin consists of the epidermis and dermis, with the epidermis containing keratinocytes that have intermediate filament keratins (IFKs) and corneous beta proteins (CBPs). These proteins form the stratum corneum, providing mechanical protection and preventing water loss. The evolutionary significance of CBPs, unique to sauropsids and encoded by the Epidermal Differential Complex (EDC) locus, is highlighted. The review also explores the diversity of epidermal appendages like scales, scutes, beaks, and claws, which have enabled reptiles to adapt to terrestrial environments.

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72 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution”

Corneous beta-proteins evolved uniquely in reptiles and birds, forming scales, claws, beaks, and feathers.

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Cornification evolved from keratinization in vertebrates, with differences between mammals and sauropsids.

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Trichohyalin-like proteins are essential for the development of skin structures like hair, nails, and feathers.

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Cornification is how skin cells die to form the protective outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

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Reptile skin hardens by layering beta-proteins on keratin.

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51 citations , September 2012 in “Biomacromolecules”

Disulfide bonds make keratin in hair stronger and tougher.

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115 citations , November 2008 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”

Reptiles have genes similar to hair proteins, suggesting hair's genetic origins predate mammals.

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Keratinization in embryos helped vertebrates adapt to land by forming a protective skin barrier.

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Vertebrate skin evolved to be more specialized and complex, especially in land animals.

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Hair follicle growth and development are controlled by specific genes and molecular signals.

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Keratin filaments are crucial for cell structure and protection, with ongoing discoveries about their genes and functions.