Linking chordate gene networks to cellular behavior in ascidians.
Embryos of simple chordates called ascidians (sea squirts) have few cells, develop rapidly, and are transparent, enabling the in vivo fluorescent imaging of labeled cell lineages. Ascidians are also simple genetically, with limited redundancy and compact regulatory regions. This cellular and genetic simplicity is now being exploited to link comprehensive gene networks to the cellular events underlying morphogenesis.
Davidson
Brad
B
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Genetics & Development, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, USA. bandi@berkeley.edu
Christiaen
Lionel
L
D000818:Animals; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D009672:Notochord / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D014561:Urochordata / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics*