Hebrew University scientists identify molecular factors that enable birds to fly but keep the rest of us on the ground

Hebrew University scientists identify molecular factors that enable birds to fly but keep the rest of us on the ground

Except for the fictional Superman and Batman, human beings can’t fly except when in aircraft or attached to a mechanical device. But birds (and bats) do fly, and for centuries, scientists, aeronautic designers and adventure-seekers have sought to replicate the qualities that allow birds to fly, namely wing-structure and balance. 

But without an external mechanism such as a hot air balloon or airplane, humans have remained earth-bound, unable to use their own bodies to propel themselves into the stratosphere. 

A critical aspect of locomotion is left-right coordination. Limb alternation is the predominant gait mode in some amphibians (salamanders), reptiles, and terrestrial mammals, while synchronous movements are manifested in the legs of other amphibians (frogs) and some marsupials and in the wings of bats and birds.

While researchers have long-focused on structural factors like wings, which define the category of bird, a recent study published Science Advances under the title “Natural loss of function of ephrin-B3 shapes spinal flight circuitry in birds” by Prof. Avihu Klar at the Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) and Prof. Claudio Mello from Oregon Health and Science University found that there are specific molecular characteristics that distinguish birds from animals. It is these differences allow birds to flap their wings and take to the sky.

In earlier studies, researchers found that the ability of mammals and reptiles to walk is embedded within their spinal cord.  In this new study, The team closely examined the neural networks of chicken and mice embryos and discovered that the genetic coding of the ephrin-B3 molecule in birds is fundamentally different than those of mammals and reptiles.  

 “The molecule ephrin-B3 is present in mammals but mutated or absent in birds.  This simple but profound difference is what allows birds to flap their wings and take flight,” noted Klar.  Animals, such as rodents, present this molecule in its fullest form and therefore move in a stepping motion from left to right with their front and back limbs. On the other hand, mice with an ephrin-B3 mutation move with a synchronous jumping motion of both left and right sides at the same time, similar to birds. 

 These findings reinforced their theory that evolution–genetic changes over time – helped birds to develop a network of neurons that activates a very coordinated movement pattern – the simultaneous flapping of wings.

 “Our study provides a clue to the evolutionary enigma – how did the nervous system evolve to support stepping, flying and swimming?” said Klar. “It paves the way for future experiments to reveal the evolution of neuronal networks that enable the different modes of movement of legs and hands, a characteristic of bipedal animals, such as birds and human.”