Issues
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Cover image
Cover Image
Cover: GFP-based labelling of a single, defined Drosophila sensory neuron reveals remarkably complex and dynamic growth cone morphologies underlying axon targeting. Novel genetic tools allow for step-by-step visualization of growth-cone sprouting, axon guidance and branching, as well as synapse formation within the central nervous system. See Research article by Urwyler et al. on p. 394.
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IN THIS ISSUE
REVIEWS
Plant germline formation: common concepts and developmental flexibility in sexual and asexual reproduction
Summary: New insights into the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying plant germline development in sexual and asexual species are discussed.
Establishing neural crest identity: a gene regulatory recipe
Summary: The current status of the neural crest gene regulatory network is reviewed, emphasizing the connections between transcription factors, signalling molecules and epigenetic modifiers.
STEM CELLS AND REGENERATION
Notch3-Jagged signaling controls the pool of undifferentiated airway progenitors
Highlighted article: In the adult mouse lung, Notch3 identifies a population of parabasal cells and regulates the balance between basal and parabasal progenitor pools.
A somatic permeability barrier around the germline is essential for Drosophila spermatogenesis
Higlighted article: In the Drosophila testis, profilin and septate junction components are required for encapsulation and isolation of the germline by a somatic permeability barrier.
The carboxy-terminus of p63 links cell cycle control and the proliferative potential of epidermal progenitor cells
Summary: In the mouse skin, the C-terminus of p63 regulates the expression of p21Waf1/Cip, a cylin independent kinase inhibitor, to maintain stem cell proliferation.
Proteasome regulation of the chromodomain protein MRG-1 controls the balance between proliferative fate and differentiation in the C. elegans germ line
Summary: The C. elegans chromodomain protein MRG-1 promotes proliferation in the germline, and its activity is regulated by the putative E3 ubiquitin ligase RFP-1 and proteasomal degradation.
Postnatal subventricular zone progenitors switch their fate to generate neurons with distinct synaptic input patterns
Summary: Heterochronic grafting experiments using postnatal or adult SVZ progenitors reveal key differences in the connective properties of the neurons generated.
RESEARCH REPORT
VEGF189 binds NRP1 and is sufficient for VEGF/NRP1-dependent neuronal patterning in the developing brain
Summary: Although VEGF165 was thought to be the sole VEGF isoform acting through neuropilin 1 (NRP1), VEGF189 also binds to and signals through NRP1 in several types of developing mouse neurons.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Canonical Wnt signalling regulates epithelial patterning by modulating levels of laminins in zebrafish appendages
Highlighted article: In the zebrafish fin, a Wnt gradient dictates the expression of laminin α5, which signals via integrin α3 to control epithelial cell morphology.
Enteric neural crest cells regulate vertebrate stomach patterning and differentiation
Highlighted article: Enteric neural crest cells act as a new mediator in the mesenchymal-epithelial interactions that control proper patterning and differentiation in the chick stomach.
Cyclic AMP in oocytes controls meiotic prophase I and primordial folliculogenesis in the perinatal mouse ovary
Summary: In mouse ovaries, meiotic progression and primordial follicle formation are regulated by cAMP levels in oocytes through the disassembly and degradation of synaptonemal complex protein 1.
UPF2, a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor, is required for prepubertal Sertoli cell development and male fertility by ensuring fidelity of the transcriptome
Summary: Sertoli cell-specific disruption of upf2, a component of the nonsense-mediated decay machinery, leads to global defects in transcription, Sertoli and germ cell depletion, and sterility.
Microtubule-dependent apical restriction of recycling endosomes sustains adherens junctions during morphogenesis of the Drosophila tracheal system
Summary: In the tracheal system of the Drosophila embryo, microtubules mediate the shuttling of E-cadherin and Par3 to the apical compartment via dynein powered recycling endosomes.
Calm1 signaling pathway is essential for the migration of mouse precerebellar neurons
Summary: Disrupting the calcium sensor calmodulin 1 in mouse precerebellar neurons impairs both radial and tangential migration of these cells, while Calm2 or 3 depletion has no effect.
Zbtb20 regulates the terminal differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes via repression of Sox9
Summary: Inactivation of zbtb20 in developing mouse chondrocytes results in delayed endochondral ossification, due to increased Sox9 and reduced Vegfa expression in the mutant tissue.
TECHNIQUES AND RESOURCES
Investigating CNS synaptogenesis at single-synapse resolution by combining reverse genetics with correlative light and electron microscopy
Summary: Genetic tools, and 3D correlative light and electron microscopy allow the dissection of the mechanisms governing synaptogenesis at single-cell resolution in the Drosophila CNS.
CORRECTION
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Development presents…
Development is excited to host a webinar series showcasing the latest developmental biology and stem cell research. The webinars are chaired each month by a different Development Editor, who invites talks from authors of exciting new papers and preprints. Visit Development presents... on the Node to see which topics are coming up and to catch up on recordings of past webinars.
Development’s Pathway to independence programme
We are delighted to announce a new call for our Pathway to Independence (PI) programme. This scheme is aimed at supporting postdocs planning to go on the job market in 2025, and will provide mentorship, training, networking and profile-raising opportunities. Apply by 31 Jan 2025.
Become a 2025 Node correspondent
The Node is looking for new correspondents to work together with the team to develop and produce content over the coming year. Apply by 20 January 2025.
