Dr. Marie Kmita and her research team published their scientific work, which describes the mechanism responsible for the emergence of our fingers and toes, and demonstrates the importance of gene regulation in the process of transition from fins to limbs during evolution.. Their scientific discovery was published in the prestigious scientific journal Science.

With the help of genetics and mathematics, scientists presented experimental evidence supporting a theoretical model of pattern formation, better known as the Turing mechanism.. In 1952, mathematician Alan Turing proposed mathematical equations for patterning, which describe how two evenly distributed substances (activator and repressor) form complex shapes and structures by transforming an ordinary cell..

“The Turing model for patterning has long remained at the discussion stage mainly due to the lack of experimental data confirming its accuracy,” explains Dr. Rusises Shet, one of the leading members of the research team led by Kmit.. “However, having realized the role that the Hox genes play during the development of limbs, we were able to show that the process that forms our fingers and toes directly depends on the Turing mechanism”.

In humans, as in other mammals, the development of the embryo is accomplished, in particular, with the help of gene constructors known as the Hox genes.. These genes are of great importance for the correct positioning of the body's architecture and for determining the nature and function of the cells that form the organs and elements of the skeleton..

"Our genetic studies have shown that the Hox genes act as modulators of the Turing mechanism. All results are based on mathematical tests conducted by our staff, ”explains Dr. James Sharp. “Moreover, we have shown that a sharp decrease in the number of Hox genes in mice turns their limbs into biological structures resembling fish fins. It is these data that demonstrate the importance of the Noh gene in the formation of human limbs. ”.

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