Evolution of the parathyroid hormone family and skeletal formation pathways

Bone is considered to be a feature of higher vertebrates and one of the features that was required for the movement from water onto land. But there are a number of evolutionarily important species that have cartilaginous skeletons, including sharks. Both bony and cartilaginous fish are believed to have a common ancestor who had a bony skeleton. A number of factors and pathways have been shown to be involved in the development and maintenance of bony skeleton including the Wnt pathway and the parathyroid hormone gene family. The study of these pathways and factors in cartilaginous animals may shed light on the evolution of the vertebrate skeleton.

Research highlights► All vertebral skeletal formation in all vertebrates has a similar appearance. ► PTH and PTHrP genes are present most vertebrates from sharks to mammals. ► PTHR1 and PTHR2 are conserved from invertebrates to higher vertebrates. ► The Wnt pathway members involved in bone formation are present in bony fish and play a role in skeletal development.