Antonia Weberling

Abstract Epiblast lumenogenesis is a hallmark of mammalian embryogenesis, and crucial for the subsequent processes of anterior-posterior patterning and gastrulation. Based on avian model-organisms, reptile epiblasts are thought to form a monolayered flat disc to undergo these developmental events. Here, we report that the squamate, veiled chameleon (Chameleo calyptratus), exhibits epiblast lumenogenesis prior to anterior-posterior patterning.

1 INTRODUCTION Non-avian reptiles exhibit striking divergence from mammals and birds in their manner of oogenesis. In mammals and birds, oocyte development occurs during embryogenesis, pauses during meiosis I, and resumes at sexual maturity.

ArticleOnline nowOpen access 1Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK 2Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA 91125, USA 3Department of Bioengineering and Barnett Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA 4Parallel Squared Technology Institute, Watertown, MA 02472, USA 5Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins...