Dissecting the pre-placodal transcriptome to reveal presumptive direct targets of Six1 and Eya1 in cranial placodes

摘要: Animals that possess a backbone – also known as vertebrates have several paired sense organs in their heads, such the eyes and olfactory system. These are thought to arisen evolved from filter-feeding ancestors adopted an increasingly active predatory lifestyle. The cranial placodes tissues vertebrate embryo give rise many of these early development. sensory neurons transmit information brain including those process hearing smell develop tissues. While much is about how work, relatively little processes involved Two genes been established crucial for formation later development organs. encode two proteins called Six1 Eya1 regulate other genes, although identity they target was not known. Using computational experimental approaches African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), Riddiford Schlosser identified hundreds regulated by both placodes. Many targeted activity direct important cell decisions, whether stem should into neuron. After validating targets laboratory, proposed network gene regulation, activated Eya1, drives organ vertebrates. provide strong evidence directly newly further work required firmly establish this. Future studies could explore drive seemingly contradictory cellular encouraging some cells others maintain stem-like state.