In vertebrates, maternally supplied yolk is typically used in one of two ways: either intracellularly by endodermal cells or extracellularly via the yolk sac. This study delves into the distinctive gut development in sturgeons, which are among the most ancient extant fish groups, contrasting it with that of other vertebrates. Our observations indicate that while sturgeon endodermal cells form the archenteron (i.e., the primitive gut) dorsally, the floor of the archenteron is uniquely composed of extraembryonic yolk cells (YCs). As development progresses, during neurulation, the archenteric cavity inflates, expands laterally, and roofs a semicircle of YCs. By the pharyngula stage, the cavity fully encompasses the YC mass, which begins to be digested at the hatching stage. This suggests a notable deviation in sturgeon gut development from that in other vertebrates, as their digestive tract initiates its function by processing endogenous nutrition even before external feeding begins. Our findings highlight the evolutionary diversity of gut development strategies among vertebrates and provide new insights into the developmental biology of sturgeons.

Department of Ichthyology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture Warsaw University of Life Sciences Warsaw Poland

Department of Integrative Biology and Ecology Evolution and Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing MI United States

Division of Biology and Biological Engineering California Institute of Technology Pasadena CA United States

Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice Vodnany Czechia

Laboratory of Gene Expression Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences Vestec Czechia

South Ehime Fisheries Research Centre Ehime University Matsuyama Japan

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