A three-dimensional interactive embryological atlas of Anolis sagrei based on micro-CT


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING (VAM)
January 3 – Febuary 28, 2021

Meeting Abstract


P13-6  Sat Jan 2  A three-dimensional interactive embryological atlas of Anolis sagrei based on micro-CT Arnaoudoff, LA*; Sanger, TS; Loyola University Chicago, Illinois; Loyola University Chicago, Illinois larnaoudoff@luc.edu

With the rapid rise of Evo-devo and the concurrent development of new imaging techniques, comparative studies of development have accelerated over the last decade. Squamates, lizards and snakes, lack a traditional experimental model species for developmental investigations, yet are important for understanding fundamental evolutionary questions because of their remarkable diversity. However, several squamate species have growing communities of biologists building new resources for comparative and experimental studies of lizard development. Creation of detailed embryological atlases for these species will help promote their advancement. In the past, scientists have had to rely on destructive methods to conduct detailed studies of internal anatomy. However, X-ray computed tomography, CT scanning, allows for sub-10 micron, non-destructive imaging of vertebrate embryos. This technique allows not only the ability to analyze the hard tissues, but also, with the help of chemical counterstains, the ability to differentiate soft tissues. We have created a detailed, 3D embryological atlas of the model lizard species, Anolis sagrei, using micro-CT scanning. We are reconstructing the development of both hard and soft tissues, such as bone, muscle, and neural tissues. All reconstructions are being conducted in the free software package 3D Slicer. 2D slices can be used for virtual histology of each stage. 3D models are posted on Sketchfab, a platform that allows viewers to move, resize, and interact with 3D models on a web-based interface. This anatomical atlas will be essential resource for research on Anolis development, as well as educational purposes, and will help create a more comprehensive understanding of the embryonic development of anoles.

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