Altered cell fate in LiCl-treated sea urchin embryos.
Endo16 is a lineage-specific protein expressed during embryogenesis in the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We have examined the effects of various concentrations of lithium chloride, a well-known vegetalizing agent, on Endo16 expression in whole sea urchin embryos. Our results show that treatment with LiCl causes increased steady-state levels of Endo16 transcripts. An increase in the number of endodermal cells in treated embryos demonstrates a change in cell lineage. In addition, we observed a delay in development of lithium-treated embryos that is accompanied by a delay in the expression of a late class histone H2B gene.
Nocente-McGrath
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Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155.
McIsaac
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Ernst
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D000818:Animals; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002712:Chlorides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004707:Endoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008094:Lithium / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018021:Lithium Chloride; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis; D012617:Sea Urchins / Q000196:embryology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D002712:Chlorides; D011506:Proteins; C061515:endo16 protein, sea urchin; D012313:RNA; D008094:Lithium; D018021:Lithium Chloride