The developing limb bud is a classic model for uncovering the biological networks that drive embryonic morphogenesis. In the Davey Lab, we use naturally occurring polydactylous chicken mutants to investigate how the limb bud becomes patterned during development. Our goal is to understand the fundamental principles of embryonic pattern formation and to reveal how these mechanisms influence both human and animal health. Current research themes and projects include: Embryonic Patterning and Limb Development A major focus of the Davey lab is understanding how the limb forms during embryonic development. Our recent studies have generated new fate maps of the developing chicken wing, providing insight into how the forearm skeleton develops. We are now extending this work using single-cell and spatial transcriptomic approaches to define the molecular networks that control forearm and digit development. We have also studied neural tube, lung, kidney, liver, and cerebellum development in the context of the TALPID3 ciliopathy. We work with clinical collaborators in congenital hand surgery to connect developmental biology with clinical questions and improve understanding of congenital limb differences. Developmental Basis of Livestock Traits We investigate how developmental mechanisms shape phenotype variation and production traits in livestock. This includes collaborative research on skeletal development, beak shape, and embryonic lethal phenotypes in birds and sheep, linking developmental biology to animal health, welfare, and productivity. Embryonic Tempo Embryonic tempo is the species-specific rate at which developmental events occur. My group is helping to establish this emerging field through pilot studies in bird species and chicken breeds, interdisciplinary collaborations, and new computational approaches to embryonic staging. Our work, understanding the speed of development and hatching in chickens, aims to reduce the waste and carbon burden of poultry production. Novel Transgenic Chicken Resources We develop new transgenic chicken lines to support research in limb development, developmental timing, and livestock biology. These tools are helping to expand the use of avian models across developmental biology and related fields, particularly for the chorioallantoic membrane assay, a valuable 3R model. Edinburgh Genomics and Embryonic Development Workshop- EGGED EGGED was held at the R(D)SVS in 2022 and 2024. To date we have trained more than 100 scientists in chicken embryology approaches. We hope the run the next EGGED in 2027. This article was published on Thursday 4 June 2026
