The nervous system consists of diverse subtypes of neurons, whose identities must be specified during development. One important aspect of the differentiation program of neurons is the expression of the appropriate set of genes controlling axon pathway selection. We have identified a novel Znfinger/homeodomain containing transcription factor, zag-1, required for particular aspects of axonal pathfinding. In zag-1 mutants,motorneuron commissures either branch prematurely or fail to branch at the correct point. Ventral cord interneurons show defects in the guidance towards the ventral cord and also in the ventral cord. Several neurons misexpress differentiation markers, including glutamate receptor subunits and chemosensory receptors. zag-1 is expressed transiently in embryonic and postembryonic neurons during differentiation as well as in some mesodermal tissues. Null mutants of zag-1 are unable to swallow food and die as L1 larvae with a starved appearance, indicating that zag-1 has an additional role in pharynx development. The vertebrate homolog, δEF1, is highly conserved and known to act as transcriptional repressor in various tissues. Our data indicate that zag-1 also acts as transcriptional repressor controlling important aspects of terminal differentiation of neurons.
The Company of Biologists Workshops
For the last 15 years, our publisher, The Company of Biologists, has provided an apt environment to inspire biology and support biologists through our Workshops series. Read about the evolution of the Workshop series and revisit JEB's experience with hosting the first Global South Workshop.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 30 May 2025.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
the Node: Have your say
Our community site, the Node, is conducting a user survey about the content and the design of the site. Help us shape the Node's future and thank you for being a part of the Node over the last 15 years.
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