PUBLICATION

Analysis of the effect of otx 1 misexpression on brain formation and gastrulation in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Authors
Doerre, O.G.
ID
ZDB-PUB-021016-85
Date
1998
Source
Ph.D. Thesis : (Thesis)
Registered Authors
Doerre, Geoffrey
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
none
PubMed
none
Abstract
The otx gene family has been identified as being involved in head formation. The misexpression of zebrafish otx 1 through the injection of synthetic RNA into the early embryo results in a variety of morphologically and genetically interesting phenotypes at twenty-four hours. Depending on the concentration and distribution of injected material, affected embryos display defects in gastrulation or hindbrain neural tube swellings. In severe gastrulation defective embryos, otx 1-injected cells form aggregates which are often excluded from the body, remaining on the yolk layer. Hindbrain abnormalities appear to be induced by aggregates of otx1-misexpressing cells within or in the vicinity of the neural tube. Swollen tissue areas display both anterior and posterior brain genetic markers, indicating a mixed identity. However there appears to be partial morphological and genetic dorsoventral organization. A mechanism is proposed whereby otx genes may function in a cell-autonomous fashion to establish a rostral brain compartment, directing cells to remain in a cohesive group defining the anteriormost neurectoderm. Additionally, otx appears to have a non cell-autonomous organizing and inducing capability, possibly functioning to direct early neurectoderm to develop brain-specific characteristics.
Errata / Notes
Ph.D. Thesis, University of Pennsylvania
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping