<em>Angiogenic genes in the skink uterus and the evolution of live birth</em>

Angiogenic genes in the skink uterus and the evolution of live birth

Angiogenic genes in the skink uterus and the evolution of live birth (#44)

Camilla M Whittington ¹ , Mike Thompson ¹

The University of Sydney, The University Of Sydney, NSW, Australia

The potent angiogenic factor VEGF111 is a rare splice variant of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) found previously only in DNA-damaged human cells. VEGF111 was recently discovered in the pregnant uterus of viviparous (live-bearing) members of the bimodally reproductive three-toed skinks (Saiphos equalis), providing a possible link between the evolution of live birth and cancer susceptibility. In tandem with experiments in laboratory mice and cultured cells, we are now exploring the expression of angiogenic factors including VEGF in Australian skinks. Unexpectedly, we have found VEGF111 expressed in oviparous sister taxa to S. equalis, suggesting that the role of VEGF111 in viviparity is more complicated than previously thought. We are now localising the expression of this gene within the pregnant uterus of S. equalis to further elucidate its role in uterine angiogenesis and the evolution of live birth.

Authors contributing to this presentation.

Whittington, C.M

Camilla’s research aims to understand the genetic basis of evolutionary innovations. She is currently investigating two of these: venom, and viviparity (live birth), which have evolved independently many times across the animal kingdom. Both of these dramatic adaptive traits are encoded by many genes, which she investigates using transcriptomic techniques. Through this research, Camilla is also working to increase our knowledge of the fundamental genetics and biology of some of Australia’s unique native species: the pot-bellied seahorse, platypus, and viviparous lizards. Camilla obtained a PhD from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2011, and spent 2009-2010 at Washington University School of Medicine on a Fulbright fellowship. She then moved to a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, in 2011, before returning to the University of Sydney in 2013, this time at the School of Biological Sciences.

Angiogenic genes in the skink uterus and the evolution of live birth (#44)

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Whittington, C.M

Thompson, M

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