title: Xenopus laevis as a model system to study cytoskeletal dynamics during axon pathfinding.
abstract: The model system, Xenopus laevis, has been used in innumerable research studies and has contributed to the understanding of multiple cytoskeletal components, including actin, microtubules, and neurofilaments, during axon pathfinding. Xenopus developmental stages have been widely characterized, and the Xenopus genome has been sequenced, allowing gene expression modifications through exogenous molecules. Xenopus cell cultures are ideal for long periods of live imaging because they are easily obtained and maintained, and they do not require special culture conditions. In addition, Xenopus have relatively large growth cones, compared to other vertebrates, thus providing a suitable system for imaging cytoskeletal components. Therefore, X. laevis is an ideal model organism in which to study cytoskeletal dynamics during axon pathfinding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Paula G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Slater
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hayrapetian
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Laura Anne
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Lowery
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D000071437:Axon Guidance / Q000235:genetics*; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism*; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D020439:Growth Cones / Q000378:metabolism; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D008869:Microtubule-Associated Proteins
keywords: cytoskeleton; growth cone; microtubule dynamics