Researchers studying Burmese pythons have discovered a previously unknown type of intestinal cell that enables the snakes to fully digest and absorb the bones of their prey.

Most carnivores consume only soft tissues, avoiding or passing bones undigested. In contrast, many snakes and reptiles swallow their prey whole, including the skeleton. However, the exact biological mechanisms behind their ability to efficiently digest bones have remained largely unknown. It’s established that snakes on a boneless diet can suffer from calcium deficiencies, highlighting the importance of skeletal material for their health. Yet, fully absorbing an entire skeleton also poses a risk—potentially overwhelming their bloodstream with too much calcium.

Figure 1. New Intestinal Cell Found in Snakes Explains Bone Absorption

Dr. Jehan-Hervé Lignot, a professor at the University of Montpellier, explained that their goal was to understand how snakes manage to absorb such large amounts of calcium through the intestinal wall while also regulating it to prevent overload. Figure 1 shows New Intestinal Cell Found in Snakes Explains Bone Absorption.

A Closer Look Under the Microscope

Dr. Lignot and his team conducted a detailed microscopic analysis of the intestinal lining cells, or enterocytes, in Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus), using both light and electron microscopy, along with blood calcium and hormone measurements. Their investigation uncovered a previously unknown type of intestinal cell that produces large particles composed of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

“This was unlike anything I’d seen in other vertebrates,” noted Dr. Lignot, referring to the unique particles observed in the intestinal epithelium. These particles were located within the internal “crypt” of specialized cells that stood out from typical enterocytes. “These cells are very narrow, with short microvilli and a distinctive apical fold that creates a crypt,” he added.

Investigating the Function of the Newly Discovered Cells

To understand the function of these newly discovered cells, researchers examined the intestinal cells of pythons after feeding them three different diets: whole rodents (normal), boneless prey (low in calcium), and boneless rodents with added calcium injections (calcium-rich). They observed that the specialized cells only produced calcium-, phosphorus-, and iron-rich particles when the snakes consumed either whole rodents or the calcium-supplemented diet. No such particles formed with the boneless prey. Additionally, no bone fragments were found in the snakes' feces, confirming that the skeletons were completely digested within the body.

The newly identified bone-digesting cell has now been found in several species of pythons and boas, as well as in the Gila monster—a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.

However, reptiles aren’t the only animals with bone-rich diets. Many other carnivores also consume prey whole, including bones [1]. “Marine predators that feed on bony fish or aquatic mammals likely face the same challenge,” notes Dr. Lignot. “Birds that primarily eat bones, like the bearded vulture, would also be intriguing subjects for further study.”

References:

1. https://scitechdaily.com/bone-digesting-scientists-discover-unusual-new-type-of-cell/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2025), Scientists Identify Mysterious New Cell Type That Breaks Down Bone, AnaTechMaz, pp. 445