title: Genetic screens for mutations affecting development of Xenopus tropicalis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Tadahiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Goda
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abu-Daya
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Carruthers
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Derek L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Stemple
authors.forename: Lyle B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D009153:Mutagens