Embryonic requirements for ErbB signaling in neural crest development and adult pigment pattern formation

摘要: Vertebrate pigment cells are derived from neural crest and a useful system for studying crest-derived traits during post-embryonic development. In zebrafish, melanophores differentiate during embryogenesis to produce stripes in the early larva. Dramatic changes to pattern occur subsequently larva-to-adult transformation, or metamorphosis. At this time, embryonic are replaced by newly differentiating metamorphic that form adult stripes. Mutants with normal embryonic/early larval patterns but defective adult identify factors required uniquely establish, maintain recruit latent precursors melanophores. We show that one such mutant, picasso, lacks most melanophores and results mutations ErbB gene erbb3b , which encodes an EGFR-like receptor tyrosine kinase. To critical periods ErbB activities, we treated fish pharmacological inhibitors also knocked down morpholino injection. These analyses reveal an embryonic period signaling promoting later pigment pattern metamorphosis, despite patterning of larval melanophores. further demonstrate a peak requirement crest migration correlates defects pathfinding and peripheral ganglion formation. Finally, show activities both autonomous non-autonomous metamorphic melanophore lineage. data very early, embryonic, requirement for development much melanophores, and suggest complex modes signals promote pattern development.