Molecular Epidemiology and Evolution Research Programme
Project title:
IDENTIFICATION OF GENES CONTROLLING THE DEVELOPMENTAL BASIS OF TOOTH SHAPE EVOLUTION
Project summary:
Morphology is a useful component of biodiversity because it can be linked to the environment and to genes. Our research focuses on the developmental basis of mammalian tooth shape diversity. Mammalian teeth provide many examples for study as they are both very diverse in shape and also plentiful as fossils.
We use new methods, like robust morphological classifications and high resolution three dimensional analysis of tooth shapes using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to decompose morphological change in a variety of mammalian lineages. Particular focus has been dental morphologies linked to the diversification of plant eating mammals after the extinction of dinosaurs. The developmental basis of documented morphological changes is investigated by a combination of GIS analysis of forming tooth morphology and mapping of developmental gene expression patterns. Tissue and organ culture techniques are used to experimentally test predictions on timing and pattern of shape control.
Irma Thesleff, Coordinator
Institute of Biotechnology
University of Helsinki
E-mail irma.thesleff@helsinki.fi
Mikael Fortelius
Division of Geology and Palaeontology
Department of Geology, University of Helsinki
Jukka Jernvall
Institute of Biotechnology
University of Helsinki
Related web-pages:
http://HONEYBEE.HELSINKI.FI/toothexp/
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