Uterodomes and the evolution of viviparity

我们将检验这一假设，即子宫穹顶是哺乳动物早期怀孕子宫特有的细胞结构，以及伴随其发育的细胞变化，对于羊水中胎生的进化是必不可少的。这一建议源于我们最近的发现，即子宫穹顶在胎生蜥蜴和哺乳动物的子宫中发育，这表明在羊膜脊椎动物活产的进化过程中，细胞水平上的关键共性。我们将利用澳大利亚蜥蜴独特的胎盘类型组合，包括一种同时具有卵生和胎生种群的物种。

We will test the hypothesis that uterodomes, which are cell structures unique to the early pregnant uterus in mammals, and the cellular changes accompanying their development, are essential to the evolution of viviparity in amniotes. The proposal stems from our recent discovery that uterodomes develop in the uteri of viviparous lizards as well as in mammals, suggesting key commonalities at the cellular level in the evolution of live birth across amniote vertebrates. We will take advantage of the unique combination of placental types among Australian lizards, including a species with both oviparous and viviparous populations.