Genetic screens for mutations affecting development of Xenopus tropicalis.
We present here the results of forward and reverse genetic screens for chemically-induced mutations in Xenopus tropicalis. In our forward genetic screen, we have uncovered 77 candidate phenotypes in diverse organogenesis and differentiation processes. Using a gynogenetic screen design, which minimizes time and husbandry space expenditures, we find that if a phenotype is detected in the gynogenetic F2 of a given F1 female twice, it is highly likely to be a heritable abnormality (29/29 cases). We have also demonstrated the feasibility of reverse genetic approaches for obtaining carriers of mutations in specific genes, and have directly determined an induced mutation rate by sequencing specific exons from a mutagenized population. The Xenopus system, with its well-understood embryology, fate map, and gain-of-function approaches, can now be coupled with efficient loss-of-function genetic strategies for vertebrate functional genomics and developmental genetics.
Goda
Tadahiro
T
Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom.
Abu-Daya
Anita
A
Carruthers
Samantha
S
Clark
Matthew D
MD
Stemple
Derek L
DL
Zimmerman
Lyle B
LB
D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000235:genetics; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D023281:Genomics; D009153:Mutagens; D009154:Mutation; D010063:Ovum / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D014981:Xenopus / Q000196:embryology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
D009153:Mutagens