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Review | Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology | Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2025 | 104-122 | https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v3i2.773
© 2025 by the author(s), and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License

Exploring Common and Unique Developmental Mechanism in Vertebrate Organogenesis

Author(s): Flooreliz G. Penaso
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General Science Department, Surigao del Norte State University, Philippines

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Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology

Volume 3 - Issue 2 - 2025

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Vertebrate embryogenesis is guided by a conserved molecular toolkit, including Wnt, BMP, Shh, and FGF signaling, which regulates gastrulation, neurulation, and organogenesis. While these processes are deeply conserved, species-specific adaptations reveal evolutionary flexibility and biomedical relevance. This review aimed to compare developmental trajectories in zebrafish (Danio rerio), frog (Xenopus laevis), chick (Gallus gallus), mouse (Mus musculus), and human (Homo sapiens) to identify common mechanisms and unique innovations. A systematic comparative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science covering the years 2000 to 2025. Studies were included if they reported molecular or morphological evidence of vertebrate embryonic development, whereas invertebrate studies and non–peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Extracted data focused on transcription factors (Hox, Pax, Sox), signaling pathways (Shh, BMP, FGF, Wnt), and key processes such as heart, limb, neural, and gut development. Findings show that all species undergo a conserved sequence of germ layer formation, neural tube closure, somitogenesis, and organogenesis, although their timing and morphogenetic strategies differ. Zebrafish complete gastrulation within five to ten hours after fertilization, whereas humans begin the process around fourteen to sixteen, underscoring divergent developmental tempos. Conserved regulators such as Nodal and Brachyury (germ layers), Pax6 and Shh (neural tube), and Nkx2.5 and GATA4 (heart) function consistently across taxa. Unique adaptations include limb regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles, extraembryonic yolk sac structures in chicks, placental development in mice, and prolonged neocortical expansion in humans. In conclusion, vertebrate development reflects a balance of conserved frameworks and evolutionary innovations. Comparative insights from model organisms not only illuminate developmental evolution but also advance biomedical understanding of congenital disorders and human-specific traits.

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SUBMITTED: 16 July 2025
ACCEPTED: 30 August 2025
PUBLISHED: 6 September 2025
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 45 days
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v3i2.773

Cite this article
Penaso, F. G. . (2025). Exploring Common and Unique Developmental Mechanism in Vertebrate Organogenesis. Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology, 3(2), 104–122. https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v3i2.773
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