Embryonic stem (ES) cell lines have provided very useful models to analyse differentiation processes. We present here the development of a differentiation system using ES-like cell lines from medaka. These cells were transfected with the melanocyte specific isoform of the microphtalmia-related transcription factor (Mitf). Mitf is a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper transcription factor whose M isoform is restricted to neural crest derived melanocytes and is essential for the development of these cells in vertebrates from mammals to fish. What is not clear yet is whether Mitf is a downstream factor or a master regulator of melanocyte commitment and differentiation. Expression of Mitf in the ES-like cells from medaka led to the induction of cells that, by morphology, physiology and gene expression pattern, were confirmed to be fully differentiated pigment cells. Mitf expression is therefore sufficient for the proper differentiation of medaka pluripotent stem cells into melanocytes.
History of our journals
As our publisher, The Company of Biologists, turns 100 years old, read about Development’s journey and highlights from some its first issues, and explore the history of each of our sister journals: Journal of Cell Science, Journal of Experimental Biology, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open.
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 15 May 2025.
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.
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