Gene regulatory networks in morphological evolution: A developmental biology perspective

Morphological evolution is key to understanding biodiversity and adaptability, revealing how organisms morphology changes during evolution. Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) play a central role in regulating gene expression and driving morphological traits. This review explores the intersection of morphological evolution and developmental biology, discussing GRNs composition, developmental functions, and their role in shaping morphological diversity across species. Research shows GRNs are conserved yet flexible, allowing evolutionary adaptation in changing environments. The paper also highlights technological advancements, challenges, and future research directions, emphasizing systems biology and synthetic biology for deeper insights into morphological evolution.