Monotreme middle ear is not primitive for Mammalia

Meng, Jin; Mao, Fang‐Yuan

doi:10.1093/nsr/nwab131

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…The incudomallear joint configuration is quite different between extant monotremes (overlapping joint) and therians (saddle-shaped joint). The malleus-incus morphology of several Mesozoic mammaliaforms has been debated, with alternative interpretations for the evolution of incudomallear structures 9,57,58 . The malleus and incus of Microtherulum are the earliest-known evidence of the saddle-like incudomallear joint.…”

Section: Evolutionary Innovation Of Incudomallear Joint In Deep Timementioning

confidence: 99%

Middle ear innovation in Early Cretaceous eutherian mammals

Wang,

Wang

2023

Nat Commun

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The middle ear ossicles in modern mammals are repurposed from postdentary bones in non-mammalian cynodonts. Recent discoveries by palaeontological and embryonic studies have developed different models for the middle ear evolution in mammaliaforms. However, little is known about the evolutionary scenario of the middle ear in early therians. Here we report a detached middle ear preserved in a new eutherian mammal from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota. The well-preserved articulation of the malleus and incus suggest that the saddle-shaped incudomallear joint is a major apomorphy of Early Cretaceous eutherians. By contrast to the distinct saddle-like incudomallear articulation in therians, differences between the overlapping versus the half-overlapping incudomallear joints in monotremes and stem mammals would be relatively minor. The middle ear belongs to the microtype by definition, indicating its adaptation to high-frequency hearing. Current evidence indicates that significant evolutionary innovations of the middle ear in modern therians evolved in Early Cretaceous.

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Section: Evolutionary Innovation Of Incudomallear Joint In Deep Timementioning

confidence: 99%

Middle ear innovation in Early Cretaceous eutherian mammals

Wang,

Wang

2023

Nat Commun

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Research Progress on Embryonic Development, Genetic Regulation and Clinical Management of Congenital Middle Ear Malformations

Gao,

Li,

Yuan

et al. 2024

Flavour & Fragrance J

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Congenital middle ear malformations are a common hearing defect in newborns, primarily characterised by abnormal middle ear structures, particularly underdeveloped or malformed ossicular chains, resulting in conductive hearing loss. This article provides a comprehensive review of the embryonic development process of the middle ear and the genetic regulatory mechanisms, with a focus on the Tbx1 gene, which is closely related to middle ear development. Studies have shown that the Tbx1 gene plays a crucial role in the migration of neural crest cells and the formation of middle ear structures, and its mutation or abnormal expression can lead to developmental defects of the middle ear structure. These gene mutations affect downstream signalling pathways (such as FGF8, FGF10 and BMP4), which are essential in the formation of the ossicles, ear canal and middle ear cavity. Additionally, this article discusses the aetiology of congenital middle ear malformations, associated syndromes, clinical manifestations, classification, diagnosis and treatment strategies. Diagnostic methods for middle ear malformations include audiological examinations, imaging studies and genetic testing. Early diagnosis and intervention, such as surgical correction and the use of hearing aids, can help improve the hearing and quality of life of patients. This article aims to provide a reference and basis for further etiological research and precise treatment by elucidating the mechanisms and clinical features of middle ear malformations.

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