Mutation studies in ascidians: a review.
Historically, mutations have had a significant impact on the study of developmental processes and phenotypic evolution. Lesions in DNA are created by artificial methods or detected by natural genetic variation. Random mutations are then ascribed to genetic change by direct sequencing or positional cloning. Tunicate species of the ascidian genus Ciona represent nearly fully realized model systems in which gene function can be investigated in depth. Additionally, tunicates are valuable organisms for the study of naturally occurring mutations due to the capability to exploit genetic variation down to the molecular level. Here, we summarize the available information about how mutations are studied in ascidians with examples of insights that have resulted from these applications. We also describe notions and methodologies that might be useful for the implementation of easy and tight procedures for mutations studies in Ciona.
Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples, Italy.
Fabio
F
Crocetta
Rita
R
Marino
Paola
P
Cirino
Alberto
A
Macina
Leopoldo
L
Staiano
Rosaria
R
Esposito
Maria Rosa
MR
Pezzotti
Claudia
C
Racioppi
Francesco
F
Toscano
Elena
E
De Felice
Annamaria
A
Locascio
Filomena
F
Ristoratore
Antonietta
A
Spagnuolo
Laura
L
Zanetti
Margherita
M
Branno
Paolo
P
Sordino
D000818:Animals; D002938:Ciona intestinalis / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D014644:Genetic Variation; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype
D004247:DNA
Ciona; ascidians; genetics; mutations