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Xenopus Laevis (xenopus + laevi)
Kinds of Xenopus Laevis Terms modified by Xenopus Laevis Selected AbstractsEctopic germline cells in embryos of Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 7 2007Kohji Ikenishi Whether all descendants of germline founder cells inheriting the germ plasm can migrate correctly to the genital ridges and differentiate into primordial germ cells (PGCs) at tadpole stage has not been elucidated in Xenopus. We investigated precisely the location of descendant cells, presumptive primordial germ cells (pPGCs) and PGCs, in embryos at stages 23,48 by whole-mount in situ hybridization with the antisense probe for Xpat RNA specific to pPGCs and whole-mount immunostaining with the 2L-13 antibody specific to Xenopus Vasa protein in PGCs. Small numbers of pPGCs and PGCs, which were positively stained with the probe and the antibody, respectively, were observed in ectopic locations in a significant number of embryos at those stages. A few of the ectopic PGCs in tadpoles at stages 44,47 were positive in TdT-mediated dUTP digoxigenin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. By contrast, pPGCs in the embryos until stage 40, irrespective of their location and PGCs in the genital ridges of the tadpoles at stages 43,48 were negative in TUNEL staining. Therefore, it is evident that a portion of the descendants of germline founder cells cannot migrate correctly to the genital ridges, and that a few ectopic PGCs are eliminated by apoptosis or necrosis at tadpole stages. [source] Functional regeneration of the olfactory bulb requires reconnection to the olfactory nerve in Xenopus larvaeDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 1 2006Jun Yoshino Larvae of the South African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) can regenerate the telencephalon, which consists of the olfactory bulb and the cerebrum, after it has been partially removed. Some authors have argued that the telencephalon, once removed, must be reconnected to the olfactory nerve in order to regenerate. However, considerable regeneration has been observed before reconnection. Therefore, we have conducted several experiments to learn whether or not reconnection is a prerequisite for regeneration. We found that the olfactory bulb did not regenerate without reconnection, while the cerebrum regenerated by itself. On the other hand, when the brain was reconnected by the olfactory nerve, both the cerebrum and the olfactory bulb regenerated. Morphological and histological investigation showed that the regenerated telencephalon was identical to the intact one in morphology, types and distributions of cells, and connections between neurons. Froglets with a regenerated telencephalon also recovered olfaction, the primary function of the frog telencephalon. These results suggest that the Xenopus larva requires reconnection of the regenerating brain to the olfactory nerve in order to regenerate the olfactory bulb, and thus the regenerated brain functions, in order to process olfactory information. [source] Requirement for ,B1-crystallin promoter of Xenopus laevis in embryonic lens development and lens regenerationDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 3 2005Nobuhiko Mizuno Regulation of the lens-specific ,B1-crystallin promoter in Xenopus laevis was investigated using transgenic larvae and tadpoles. Comparison of the promoter sequence with that of chicken ,B1-crystallin gene indicates significant sequence similarity over a span of several hundred base pairs starting from the transcriptional start site. Remarkably, PL-1 and PL-2 sequences identified in the chicken promoter as essential binding sites of MAF, Pax6 and Prox1 transcription factors were conserved. Mutations of X (Xenopus) PL-1 and XPL-2 sequences eliminated the promoter activity, indicating a conserved mechanism regulating ,B1-crystallin promoter among vertebrate species. A stepwise deletion of the promoter sequence starting from 2800 bp indicated that the proximal 260 bp directly upstream of the transcription initiation site is sufficient for eliciting lens-specific expression, but the 150 bp promoter sequence is inactive despite it containing the XPL-1 and XPL-2 sequences, suggesting the presence of an additional and essential regulatory sequence located between ,150 and ,260 bp. Activity of the ,B1-crystallin promoter during lens regeneration from cornea was examined using transgenic tadpoles and found to have the same dependence on promoter regions as in embryonic lens development, indicating that gene regulation is largely shared by the two lens-generating processes. [source] Identification and characterization of Xenopus OMP25DEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 5 2004Masafumi Inui This study describes the isolation of mitochondrial outer membrane protein 25 (OMP25) from Xenopus laevis and an analysis of its role in early development. X. laevis OMP25 (xOMP25) is a transmembrane protein of the mitochondrial outer membrane with a PDZ domain in the cytoplasmic tail, and an approximate molecular size of 25 kDa. We isolated xOMP25 from a cDNA library of X. laevis tailbud embryos. Amino acid sequence analysis of xOMP25 showed 57% identity to mouse OMP25, with 73% identity in the PDZ domains. XOMP25 mRNA is expressed maternally, and at a constant level throughout early development. The transcript is localized to eye, otic vesicle, branchial arch and neural tube. Mitochondrial targeting of an EGFP-fusion protein of xOMP25 was visualized using a mitochondria-specific fluorescent dye. Overexpression of xOMP25 in embryos caused curved axes, small eyes and disorganized head structures. Knockdown of xOMP25 protein using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides resulted in slightly shortened axes and decreased neural tissue. Although the mechanism remains unclear, our results implicate xOMP25 protein in the formation of the intact neural tube. [source] Cloning a novel developmental regulating gene, Xotx5: Its potential role in anterior formation in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2 2000Hiroki Kuroda The vertebrate Otx gene family is related to otd, a gene contributing to head development in Drosophila. In Xenopus, Xotx1, Xotx2, and Xotx4 have already been isolated and analyzed. Here the cloning, developmental expression and functions of the additional Otx Xenopus gene, Xotx5 are reported. This latter gene shows a greater degree of homology to Xotx2 than Xotx1 and Xotx4. Xotx5 was initially expressed in Spemann's organizer and later in the anterior region. Ectopic expression of Xotx5 had similar effects to other Xotx genes in impairing trunk and tail development, and especially similar effects to Xotx2 in causing secondary cement glands. Taken together, these findings suggest that Xotx5 stimulates the formation of the anterior regions and represses the formation of posterior structures similar to Xotx2. [source] In vitro organogenesis of pancreas in Xenopus laevis dorsal lips treated with retinoic acidDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 2 2000Naomi Moriya Dorsal lips of Xenopus laevis may differentiate into pancreas after treatment with retinoic acid in vitro. The dorsal lip region is fated to be dorsal mesoderm and anterior endoderm. Dorsal lip cells isolated from stage 10 early gastrula differentiate into tissues such as notochord, muscle and pharynx. However, in the present study, dorsal lips treated with 10,4M retinoic acid for 3 h differentiated into pancreas-like structures accompanied by notochord and thick endodermal epithelium. Sections of the explants showed that some cells gathered and formed an acinus-like structure as observed under microscopes. In addition to the morphological changes, expressions of the pancreas-specific molecular markers, XlHbox8 and insulin, were induced in retinoic acid-treated dorsal lip explants. Therefore, it is suggested that retinoic acid may induce the dorsal lip cells to differentiate into a functional pancreas. However, continuous treatment with retinoic acid did not induce pancreas differentiation at any concentration. Dorsal lips treated with retinoic acid within 5 h after isolation differentiated into pancreas-like cells, while those treated after 15 h or more did not. The present study provided a suitable test system for analyzing pancreas differentiation in early vertebrate development. [source] Cloning and characterization of voltage-gated calcium channel alpha1 subunits in Xenopus laevis during developmentDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 11 2009Brittany B. Lewis Abstract Voltage-gated calcium channels play a critical role in regulating the Ca2+ activity that mediates many aspects of neural development, including neural induction, neurotransmitter phenotype specification, and neurite outgrowth. Using Xenopus laevis embryos, we describe the spatial and temporal expression patterns during development of the 10 pore-forming alpha1 subunits that define the channels' kinetic properties. In situ hybridization indicates that CaV1.2, CaV2.1, CaV2.2, and CaV3.2 are expressed during neurula stages throughout the neural tube. These, along with CaV1.3 and CaV2.3, beginning at early tail bud stages, and CaV3.1 at late tail bud stages, are detected in complex patterns within the brain and spinal cord through swimming tadpole stages. Additional expression of various alpha1 subunits was observed in the cranial ganglia, retina, olfactory epithelium, pineal gland, and heart. The unique expression patterns for the different alpha1 subunits suggests they are under precise spatial and temporal regulation and are serving specific functions during embryonic development. Developmental Dynamics 238:2891,2902, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gene expression profiles of lens regeneration and development in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 9 2009Erica L. Malloch Abstract Seven hundred and thirty-four unique genes were recovered from a cDNA library enriched for genes up-regulated during the process of lens regeneration in the frog Xenopus laevis. The sequences represent transcription factors, proteins involved in RNA synthesis/processing, components of prominent cell signaling pathways, genes involved in protein processing, transport, and degradation (e.g., the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway), matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), as well as many other proteins. The findings implicate specific signal transduction pathways in the process of lens regeneration, including the FGF, TGF-beta, MAPK, Retinoic acid, Wnt, and hedgehog signaling pathways, which are known to play important roles in eye/lens development and regeneration in various systems. In situ hybridization revealed that the majority of genes recovered are expressed during embryogenesis, including in eye tissues. Several novel genes specifically expressed in lenses were identified. The suite of genes was compared to those up-regulated in other regenerating tissues/organisms, and a small degree of overlap was detected. Developmental Dynamics 238:2340,2356, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Beyond early development: Xenopus as an emerging model for the study of regenerative mechanismsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2009Caroline W. Beck Abstract While Xenopus is a well-known model system for early vertebrate development, in recent years, it has also emerged as a leading model for regeneration research. As an anuran amphibian, Xenopus laevis can regenerate the larval tail and limb by means of the formation of a proliferating blastema, the lens of the eye by transdifferentiation of nearby tissues, and also exhibits a partial regeneration of the postmetamorphic froglet forelimb. With the availability of inducible transgenic techniques for Xenopus, recent experiments are beginning to address the functional role of genes in the process of regeneration. The use of soluble inhibitors has also been very successful in this model. Using the more traditional advantages of Xenopus, others are providing important lineage data on the origin of the cells that make up the tissues of the regenerate. Finally, transcriptome analyses of regenerating tissues seek to identify the genes and cellular processes that enable successful regeneration. Developmental Dynamics 238:1226,1248, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparative and developmental study of the immune system in XenopusDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 6 2009Jacques Robert Abstract Xenopus laevis is the model of choice for evolutionary, comparative, and developmental studies of immunity, and invaluable research tools including MHC-defined clones, inbred strains, cell lines, and monoclonal antibodies are available for these studies. Recent efforts to use Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis for genetic analyses have led to the sequencing of the whole genome. Ongoing genome mapping and mutagenesis studies will provide a new dimension to the study of immunity. Here we review what is known about the immune system of X. laevis integrated with available genomic information from S. tropicalis. This review provides compelling evidence for the high degree of similarity and evolutionary conservation between Xenopus and mammalian immune systems. We propose to build a powerful and innovative comparative biomedical model based on modern genetic technologies that takes take advantage of X. laevis and S. tropicalis, as well as the whole Xenopus genus. Developmental Dynamics 238:1249,1270, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] pMesogenin1 and 2 function directly downstream of Xtbx6 in Xenopus somitogenesis and myogenesisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2008Shunsuke Tazumi Abstract T-box transcription factor tbx6 and basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor pMesogenin1 are reported to be involved in paraxial mesodermal differentiation. To clarify the relationship between these genes in Xenopus laevis, we isolated pMesogenin2, which showed high homology with pMesogenin1. Both pMesogenin1 and 2 appeared to be transcriptional activators and were induced by a hormone-inducible version of Xtbx6 without secondary protein synthesis in animal cap assays. The pMesogenin2 promoter contained three potential T-box binding sites with which Xtbx6 protein was shown to interact, and a reporter gene construct containing these sites was activated by Xtbx6. Xtbx6 knockdown reduced pMesogenin1 and 2 expressions, but not vice versa. Xtbx6 and pMesogenin1 and 2 knockdowns caused similar phenotypic abnormalities including somite malformation and ventral body wall muscle hypoplasia, suggesting that Xtbx6 is a direct regulator of pMesogenin1 and 2, which are both involved in somitogenesis and myogenesis including that of body wall muscle in Xenopus laevis. Developmental Dynamics 237:3749,3761, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Semaphorin and neuropilin expression during early morphogenesis of Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 12 2008Ulrich Koestner Abstract Semaphorins are major regulators of morphogenesis and are involved in a variety of processes ranging from the guidance of cell migration to the development of cancer. Since semaphorins were first characterized as repulsive neuronal guidance cues, their expression has been best documented in the nervous system. However, broader studies are lacking. Here, we describe the expression of 13 members of the semaphorin family and two neuropilin receptors during early Xenopus laevis development. No particular expression pattern defines any of the semaphorin classes, but many are dynamically expressed in distinct areas undergoing morphogenetic cell movements like the developing mesoderm and the migrating neural crest. Furthermore, the complementary expression patterns of Sema3A/Nrp1 and Sema3F/Nrp2 are maintained across hundreds of millions of years, possibly indicating a conserved role in the guidance of migrating neural crest cells. Developmental Dynamics 237:3853,3863, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Development of the proepicardium in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2008Maike Jahr Abstract The proepicardium (PE) is an embryonic progenitor cell population, which provides the epicardium, the majority of the cardiac interstitium, the coronary vasculature and possibly some cardiomyocytes. Recent studies have documented (1) the presence of bilaterally paired PE anlagen in several vertebrates, and (2) species-specific differences in the fate of the left and right PE anlagen. Here, we document PE development in Xenopus laevis (stages 37,46). The PE appears at stage 41 in the form of a cone-shaped accumulation of mesothelial cells covering the pericardial surface of the right horn of the sinus venosus. No such structure appears on the left sinus horn. At the end of stage 41, the tip of the PE establishes a firm contact with the developing ventricle. A secondary tissue bridge is established facilitating the transfer of PE cells to the heart. During stages 41,46, this tissue bridge is visible in vivo through the transparent body wall. Corresponding to the morphological data, the PE marker gene Tbx18 is expressed only on the right sinus horn suggesting a right-sided origin of the PE. Left,right lineage tracing has confirmed this idea. These results show that Xenopus PE development proceeds in a bilaterally asymmetric pattern as previously observed in chicks. We speculate that asymmetric PE development is controlled by signals from left,right signaling pathways and that the PE is an indicator for right-sidedness in Xenopus embryos. Xenopus might be a good model to uncover the role of left,right signaling pathways in the control of asymmetric PE development. Developmental Dynamics 237:3088,3096, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Membrane dynamics of cleavage furrow closure in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2008Michael V. Danilchik Abstract Epithelial membrane polarity develops early in Xenopus development, with membrane inserted along the earliest cleavage furrows by means of localized exocytosis. The added surface constitutes a new basolateral domain important for early morphogenesis. This basolateral surface becomes isolated from the outside by furrow closure, a zippering of adjacent apical,basolateral margins. Time-lapse microscopy of membrane-labeled embryos revealed two distinct kinds of protrusive activity in furrow closure. Early in furrowing, protrusive activity was associated with purse-string contractility along the apical,basolateral margins. Later in furrow progression, a basolateral protrusive zone developed entirely within the new membrane domain, with long motile filopodia extending in contractile bands from the exposed surfaces. Filopodia interacting with opposing cell surfaces across the cleavage furrow appeared to mediate blastomere,blastomere adhesion, contact spreading and lamellipodial protrusion. Interference with these dynamic activities prevented furrow closure, indicating a basic role for both marginal and basolateral protrusive activities in early embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:565,579, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cloning and functional characterization of two key enzymes of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis in the amphibian Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2008Melchor E. Luque No abstract is available for this article. [source] Patterning the embryonic kidney: BMP signaling mediates the differentiation of the pronephric tubules and duct in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2008Christina M. Bracken Abstract The Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) mediate a wide range of diverse cellular behaviors throughout development. Previous studies implicated an important role for BMP signaling during the differentiation of the definitive mammalian kidney, the metanephros. In order to examine whether BMP signaling also plays an important role during the patterning of earlier renal systems, we examined the development of the earliest nephric system, the pronephros. Using the amphibian model system Xenopus laevis, in combination with reagents designed to inhibit BMP signaling during specific stages of nephric development, we revealed an evolutionarily conserved role for this signaling pathway during renal morphogenesis. Our results demonstrate that conditional BMP inhibition after specification of the pronephric anlagen is completed, but prior to the onset of morphogenesis and differentiation of renal tissues, results in the severe malformation of both the pronephric duct and tubules. Importantly, the effects of BMP signaling on the developing nephron during this developmental window are specific, only affecting the developing duct and tubules, but not the glomus. These data, combined with previous studies examining metanephric development in mice, provide further support that BMP functions to mediate morphogenesis of the specified renal field during vertebrate embryogenesis. Specifically, BMP signaling is required for the differentiation of two types of nephric structures, the pronephric tubules and duct. Developmental Dynamics 237:132,144, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Targeted cell-ablation in Xenopus embryos using the conditional, toxic viral protein M2(H37A)DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 8 2007Stuart J. Smith Abstract Harnessing toxic proteins to destroy selective cells in an embryo is an attractive method for exploring details of cell fate and cell,cell interdependency. However, no existing "suicide gene" system has proved suitable for aquatic vertebrates. We use the M2(H37A) toxic ion channel of the influenza-A virus to induce cell-ablations in Xenopus laevis. M2(H37A) RNA injected into blastomeres of early stage embryos causes death of their progeny by late-blastula stages. Moreover, M2(H37A) toxicity can be controlled using the M2 inhibitor rimantadine. We have tested the ablation system using transgenesis to target M2(H37A) expression to selected cells in the embryo. Using the myocardial MLC2 promoter, M2(H37A)-mediated cell death causes dramatic loss of cardiac structure and function by stage 39. With the LURP1 promoter, we induce cell-ablations of macrophages. These experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of M2(H37A)-ablation in Xenopus and its utility in monitoring the progression of developmental abnormalities during targeted cell death experiments. Developmental Dynamics 236:2159,2171, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Neuronal leucine-rich repeat 6 (XlNLRR-6) is required for late lens and retina development in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2006Adam D. Wolfe Abstract Leucine-rich repeat proteins expressed in the developing vertebrate nervous system comprise a complex, multifamily group, and little is known of their developmental function in vivo. We have identified a novel member of this group in Xenopus laevis, XlNLRR-6, and through sequence and phylogenetic analysis, have placed it within a defined family of vertebrate neuronal leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRR). XlNLRR-6 is expressed in the developing nervous system and tissues of the eye beginning at the neural plate stage, and expression continues throughout embryonic and larval development. Using antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) -mediated knockdown of XlNLRR-6, we demonstrate that this protein is critical for development of the lens, retina, and cornea. Reciprocal transplantation of presumptive lens ectoderm between MO-treated and untreated embryos demonstrate that XlNLRR-6 plays autonomous roles in the development of both the lens and retina. These findings represent the first in vivo functional analysis of an NLRR family protein and establish a role for this protein during late differentiation of tissues in the developing eye. Developmental Dynamics 235:1027,1041, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cloning and functional characterization of a novel connexin expressed in somites of Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2005Teun P. De Boer Abstract Connexin-containing gap junctions play an essential role in vertebrate development. More than 20 connexin isoforms have been identified in mammals. However, the number identified in Xenopus trails with only six isoforms described. Here, identification of a new connexin isoform from Xenopus laevis is described. Connexin40.4 was found by screening expressed sequence tag databases and carrying out polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA. This new connexin has limited amino acid identity with mammalian (<50%) connexins, but conservation is higher (,62%) with fish. During Xenopus laevis development, connexin40.4 was first expressed after the mid-blastula transition. There was prominent expression in the presomitic paraxial mesoderm and later in the developing somites. In adult frogs, expression was detected in kidney and stomach as well as in brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. Ectopic expression of connexin40.4 in HEK293 cells, resulted in formation of gap junction like structures at the cell interfaces. Similar ectopic expression in neural N2A cells resulted in functional electrical coupling, displaying mild, asymmetric voltage dependence. We thus cloned a novel connexin from Xenopus laevis, strongly expressed in developing somites, with no apparent orthologue in mammals. Developmental Dynamics 233:864,871, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Developmental analysis of activin-like kinase receptor-4 (ALK4) expression in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2005Yumei Chen Abstract The type I transforming growth factor-beta (TGF,) receptor, activin-like kinase-4 (ALK4), is an important regulator of vertebrate development, with roles in mesoderm induction, primitive streak formation, gastrulation, dorsoanterior patterning, and left,right axis determination. To complement previous ALK4 functional studies, we have analyzed ALK4 expression in embryos of the frog, Xenopus laevis. Results obtained with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction indicate that ALK4 is present in both the animal and vegetal poles of blastula stage embryos and that expression levels are relatively constant amongst embryos examined at blastula, gastrula, neurula, and early tail bud stages. However, the tissue distribution of ALK4 mRNA, as assessed by whole-mount in situ hybridization, was found to change over this range of developmental stages. In the blastula stage embryo, ALK4 is detected in cells of the animal pole and the marginal zone. During gastrulation, ALK4 is detected in the outer ectoderm, involuting mesoderm, blastocoele roof, dorsal lip, and to a lesser extent, in the endoderm. At the onset of neurulation, ALK4 expression is prominent in the dorsoanterior region of the developing head, the paraxial mesoderm, and midline structures, including the prechordal plate and neural folds. Expression in older neurula stage embryos resolves to the developing brain, somites, notochord, and neural crest; thereafter, additional sites of ALK4 expression in tail bud stage embryos include the spinal cord, otic placode, developing eye, lateral plate mesoderm, branchial arches, and the bilateral heart fields. Together, these results not only reflect the multiple developmental roles that have been proposed for this TGF, receptor but also define spatiotemporal windows in which ALK4 may function to modulate fundamental embryological events. Developmental Dynamics 232:393,398, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Independent induction and formation of the dorsal and ventral fins in Xenopus laevisDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2004A.S. Tucker Abstract It has been known since the 1930s that the dorsal fin is induced by the underlying neural crest. The inducer of the ventral fin, however, has remained elusive. We have investigated the source of the inducer of the ventral fin in Xenopus and show that it is the ventral mesoderm and not the neural crest. This induction takes place during mid-neurula stages and is completed by late neurulation. In terms of cell composition, the dorsal fin mesenchyme core arises from neural crest cells, while the mesenchyme of the ventral fin has a dual origin. The ventral fin contains neural crest cells that migrate in from the dorsal side of the embryo, but a contribution is also made by cells from the ventral mesoderm. Developmental Dynamics 230:461,467, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Local activation of protein kinase A inhibits morphogenetic movements during Xenopus gastrulationDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 1 2003Byung-Ho Song Abstract cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) has various biological roles in many organisms. However, little is known about its role in the developmental processes of vertebrates. In this study, we describe the functional analysis of PKA during gastrulation movements in Xenopus laevis. Overexpression of constitutively active PKA (cPKA) in the dorsal equatorial region of the embryo affects morphogenetic movement during gastrulation. We also show that intrinsic differences of PKA activities along the dorsoventral axis are set up and the level of PKA activity on the dorsal region is lower than that on the ventral region from late blastula to gastrula stages. In addition, PKA activation in animal explants inhibits activin-induced elongation. In cPKA-injected embryos, there were no changes in the expressions of markers involved in mesoderm specification, although the correct expression domains of these genes were altered. The effects of PKA activation can be restored by coexpression of PKI, a pseudosubstrate of PKA. We further analyzed the effects of PKA activation on the behavior of migratory gastrulating cells in vitro. Expression of cPKA in head mesoderm cells causes less polarized and/or randomized migration as demonstrated by a directional cell migration assay. Finally, we show that RhoA GTPase lies downstream of PKA, affecting activin-induced convergent extension movements. Taken together, these results suggest that overexpressed PKA can modulate a pathway responsible for morphogenetic movements during Xenopus gastrulation. Developmental Dynamics 227:91,103, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Apparent mitochondrial asymmetry in Xenopus eggsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2003Natalia Volodina Abstract Cell polarity is manifest along the animal/vegetal axis in eggs of the frog, Xenopus laevis. Along this axis, maternal cytoplasmic components are asymmetrically distributed and are thought to underlie specification of distinct cell fates. To ascertain the molecular identities of such cytoplasmic components, we have used a monoclonal antibody that specifically stains the vegetal hemisphere of Xenopus eggs. The antigenic protein Vp67 (vegetal protein of 67 kDa) was identified through purification and cloning as a Xenopus homolog of the mitochondrial protein dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase, a component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. The identification of Vp67 as a mitochondrial protein could indicate that populations of mitochondria are asymmetrically distributed in Xenopus eggs. Developmental Dynamics 226:654,662, © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Xenopus, the next generation: X. Tropicalis genetics and genomicsDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2002Nicolas Hirsch Abstract A small, fast-breeding, diploid relative of the frog Xenopus laevis, Xenopus tropicalis, has recently been adopted for research in developmental genetics and functional genomics. X. tropicalis shares advantages of X. laevis as a classic embryologic system, but its simpler genome and shorter generation time make it more convenient for multigenerational genetic, genomic, and transgenic approaches. Its embryos closely resemble those of X. laevis, except for their smaller size, and assays and molecular probes developed in X. laevis can be readily adapted for use in X. tropicalis. Genomic manipulation techniques such as gynogenesis facilitate genetic screens, because they permit the identification of recessive phenotypes after only one generation. Stable transgenic lines can be used both as in vivo reporters to streamline a variety of embryologic and molecular assays, or to experimentally manipulate gene expression through the use of binary constructs such as the GAL4/UAS system. Several mutations have been identified in wild-caught animals and during the course of generating inbred lines. A variety of strategies are discussed for conducting and managing genetic screens, obtaining mutations in specific sequences, achieving homologous recombination, and in developing and taking advantage of the genomic resources for Xenopus tropicalis. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Xath5 regulates neurogenesis in the Xenopus olfactory placodeDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 4 2002Carole J. Burns Abstract Helix-loop-helix (HLH) genes function as important regulators of neurogenesis in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The olfactory system is an ideal tissue in which to study the role of these genes in regulating the acquisition of neuronal cell fate, particularly that of the olfactory receptor neuron (ORN). Here we describe the expression of several basic HLH (bHLH) and repeat HLH (rHLH) factors during olfactory placode development in Xenopus laevis. Our work reveals that a combination of both bHLH and rHLH genes are sequentially expressed within the nascent olfactory placode during normal development. Moreover, overexpression of the bHLH factor, Xenopus atonal homologue 5 (Xath5), promotes olfactory neural fate independent of cellular proliferation within a restricted domain at the anterior of the embryo. Collectively, our data argue that HLH genes are expressed in a cascade during olfactory placode development and that the activity of an atonal homologue, Xath5, can promote ORN fate but only in the appropriate developmental context. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of retinoic acid upon eye field morphogenesis and differentiationDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 3 2001Gerald W. Eagleson Abstract This study describes a whole embryo and embryonic field analysis of retinoic acid's (RA) effects upon Xenopus laevis forebrain development and differentiation. By using in situ and immunohistochemical analysis of pax6, Xbf1, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), gene expression during eye field, telencephalon field, and retinal development was followed with and without RA treatment. These studies indicated that RA has strong effects upon embryonic eye and telencephalon field development with greater effects upon the ventral development of these organ fields. The specification and determination of separate eye primordia occurred at stage-16 when the prechordal plate reaches its most anterior aspect in Xenopus laevis. Differentiation of the dopaminergic cells within the retina was also affected in a distinct dorsoventral pattern by RA treatment, and cell type differentiation in the absence of distinct retinal laminae was also observed. It was concluded that early RA treatments affected organ field patterning by suppression of the upstream elements required for organ field development, and RA's effects upon cellular differentiation occur downstream to these organ determinants' expression within a distinct dorsoventral pattern. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Relative importance of different dispersal vectors for small aquatic invertebrates in a rock pool metacommunityECOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2008Bram Vanschoenwinkel The extent and frequency of passive overland dispersal of freshwater invertebrates as well as the relative importance of different dispersal vectors is not well documented. Although anecdotal evidence subscribing the feasibility of individual vectors in various aquatic systems is abundant, dispersal rates have rarely been quantified for different vectors in one study system. Earlier studies also usually investigated dispersal potential rather than actual dispersal rates. In this study we have estimated passive dispersal rates of invertebrate propagules within a cluster of temporary rock pools via water, wind and amphibians in a direct way. Overflows after heavy rains mediated dispersal of a large number of propagules through eroded channels between pools, which were collected in overflow traps. Taking into account model based predictions of overflow frequency, this corresponds with average dispersal rates of 4088 propagules/channel yr,1. Wind dispersal rates as measured by numbers of propagules collected on sticky traps mounted between pool basins were very high (average dispersal rate: 649 propagules m,2 in one month) and were positively related to the proximity of source populations. Finally, invertebrate propagules were also isolated from the faeces of African clawed frogs Xenopus laevis caught from the pools (on average 368 propagules/frog). The combination of short distance wind and overflow dispersal rates likely explain the dominant species sorting and mass effect patterns observed in the metacommunity in a previous study. Amphibian mediated dispersal was much less important as the Xenopus laevis population was small and migrations very rare. Based on our own results and available literature we conclude that both vector and propagule properties determine local passive dispersal dynamics of freshwater invertebrates. Accurate knowledge on rates and vectors of dispersal in natural systems are a prerequisite to increase our understanding of the impact of dispersal on ecology (colonisation, community assembly, coexistence) and evolution (gene flow, local adaptation) in fragmented environments. [source] Metamorphic inhibition of Xenopus laevis by sodium perchlorate: Effects on development and thyroid histologyENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2005Joseph E. Tietge Abstract The perchlorate anion inhibits thyroid hormone (TH) synthesis via inhibition of the sodium-iodide symporter. It is, therefore, a good model chemical to aid in the development of a bioassay to screen chemicals for affects on thyroid function. Xenopus laevis larvae were exposed to sodium perchlorate during metamorphosis, a period of TH-dependent development, in two experiments. In the first experiment, stage 51 and 54 larvae were exposed for 14 d to 16, 63, 250, 1,000, and 4,000 ,g perchlorate/L. In the second experiment, stage 51 larvae were exposed throughout metamorphosis to 8, 16, 32, 63, and 125 ,g perchlorate/L. Metamorphic development and thyroid histology were the primary endpoints examined. Metamorphosis was retarded significantly in the first study at concentrations of 250 ,g/L and higher, but histological effects were observed at 16 ,g/L. In the second study, metamorphosis was delayed by 125 ,g/L and thyroid size was increased significantly at 63 ,g/L. These studies demonstrate that inhibition of metamorphosis readily can be detected using an abbreviated protocol. However, thyroid gland effects occur at concentrations below those required to elicit developmental delay, demonstrating the sensitivity of this endpoint and suggesting that thyroidal compensation is sufficient to promote normal development until perchlorate reaches critical concentrations. [source] Plasma sex steroid concentrations and gonadal aromatase activities in African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) from South AfricaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 8 2004Markus Hecker Abstract Adult African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were collected from a corn-growing region (CGR) and a non-corn-growing region (NCGR) with different exposure profiles for atrazine and related triazines. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters from the catchment areas were also measured. Frogs were surveyed for possible effects of exposure to triazine herbicides on plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) titers, gonadal aromatase activity, and gonad growth (GSI). Concentrations of both T and E2 varied among locations and were correlated to some accessory factors, such as pH, several ions, and metals. Greatest median plasma T concentrations (males: 19 ng/ml; females: 16 ng/ml) occurred in frogs inhabiting NCGR as compared to those from the CGR (males: 4 ng/ml; females: 1 ng/ml). Median E2 concentrations were also greater in frogs collected from the NCGR (males: 3 ng/ml; females: 28 ng/ml) than those in frogs from the CGR (males: 2 ng/ml; females: 5 ng/ml). Because some exposure to agricultural chemicals at both regions occurred, as did simultaneous exposures to multiple chemicals, a regression analysis was employed. Negative correlations were observed between plasma T concentrations and concentrations of atrazine, deisopropylatrazine, deethylatrazine, and tertbuthylazine in females and between T and diaminochlorotriazine in males. Estradiol in females exhibited a significant negative correlation with atrazine and deethylatrazine. No correlations were observed between gonadal aromatase activity or GSI and any of the agricultural chemicals measured. Median aromatase activities in ovaries varied among sampling sites ranging from 7 to >3,000 times greater than those in males when measurable. Testicular aromatase activity was below the detection limit of the assay in male frogs at most of the sites. Although exposure to agricultural inputs did not affect aromatase activities, effects of atrazine or coapplied pesticides on sex steroid homeostasis cannot be excluded at this point. [source] Comparative effects of pH and Vision® herbicide on two life stages of four anuran amphibian species,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2004Andrea N. Edginton Abstract Vision®, a glyphosate-based herbicide containing a 15% (weight:weight) polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactant blend, and the concurrent factor of pH were tested to determine their interactive effects on early life-stage anurans. Ninety-six-hour laboratory static renewal studies, using the embryonic and larval life stages (Gosner 25) of Rana clamitans, R. pipiens, Bufo americanus, and Xenopus laevis, were performed under a central composite rotatable design. Mortality and the prevalence of malformations were modeled using generalized linear models with a profile deviance approach for obtaining confidence intervals. There was a significant (p < 0.05) interaction of pH with Vision concentration in all eight models, such that the toxicity of Vision was amplified by elevated pH. The surfactant is the major toxic component of Vision and is hypothesized, in this study, to be the source of the pH interaction. Larvae of B. americanus and R. clamitans were 1.5 to 3.8 times more sensitive than their corresponding embryos, whereas X. laevis and R. pipiens larvae were 6.8 to 8.9 times more sensitive. At pH values above 7.5, the Vision concentrations expected to kill 50% of the test larvae in 96-h (96-h lethal concentration [LC50]) were predicted to be below the expected environmental concentration (EEC) as calculated by Canadian regulatory authorities. The EEC value represents a worst-case scenario for aerial Vision application and is calculated assuming an application of the maximum label rate (2.1 kg acid equivalents [a.e.]/ha) into a pond 15 cm in depth. The EEC of 1.4 mg a.e./L (4.5 mg/L Vision) was not exceeded by 96-h LC50 values for the embryo test. The larvae of the four species were comparable in sensitivity. Field studies should be completed using the more sensitive larval life stage to test for Vision toxicity at actual environmental concentrations. [source] |