a detailed look into anole ovaries
In their study published in Developmental Dynamics, Dr Antonia Weberling (NDWRH) and Dr Bonnie Kircher (MD Anderson) describe 10 consecutive stages of oogenesis.
"Research into oogenesis of squamates (scaled, non-avian reptiles) is scarce and vital to optimise functional studies such as CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Merging my reptile reproductive biology background with Antonia's expertise in early embryonic development while also combining our complementary datasets, we could provide a robust characterisation of brown anole egg development." - Dr Bonnie Kircher.
Egg production in humans and reptiles
"Mammals are born with a finite number of egg cells. This results in a decline in fertility with age, which is of major clinical interest regarding human fertility preservation in health and disease, but also a major problem for endangered species. Squamates (lizards & snakes) have a infinite number of egg cells due to a structure within the ovary that contains a pool of stem cells that can form new egg cells - the germinal bed. Our study shed light into the structure of this germinal bed in anolis lizards." - Dr Antonia Weberling.
This study lays the basis for functional investigations that may provide insight into why lizards have this germinal bed and why mammals lack it.
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health website