Issues
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Cover image
Cover Image
Cover: Zebrafish neural tube (dorsal view) labeled with the three-colour Zebrabow reporter. The differentiation rate of neural progenitors is under feedback control based on dynamic changes in cell shape caused by tissue packing. See Research article by Hiscock et al. (dev157040)
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RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
OBITUARY
Obituary: John Sulston (1942-2018)
Summary: John White reflects on the life and work of John Sulston, a pioneer in developmental studies of the nematode C. elegans.
DEVELOPMENT AT A GLANCE
Toll and Toll-like receptor signalling in development
Summary: This article highlights the diverse, context-dependent roles that Toll/TLRs play beyond innate immunity in determining cell fate and differentiation, including during competition for light in plants and in neurotrophism and plasticity in the CNS.
REVIEW
All in the family: proneural bHLH genes and neuronal diversity
Summary: This Review discusses how gene duplication and divergence are interwoven with neuronal complexity in Drosophila and vertebrates, highlighting atonal as a platform for understanding proneural gene structure and regulation.
STEM CELLS AND REGENERATION
Niche-mediated BMP/SMAD signaling regulates lung alveolar stem cell proliferation and differentiation
Summary: Studies using alveolar organoids and in vivo alveolar regrowth post-pneumonectomy establish many dynamic and cell-type-specific roles for BMP signaling in regulating adult alveolar regeneration.
Intrahepatic bile ducts guide establishment of the intrahepatic nerve network in developing and regenerating mouse liver
Summary: Secretion of NGF, upregulated by Hes1, by biliary epithelial cells and adjacent mesenchymal cells guides TUBB3-positive nerve fiber extension and regeneration in the hepatic nervous system.
RESEARCH REPORT
Direct activation of chordoblasts by retinoic acid is required for segmented centra mineralization during zebrafish spine development
Highlighted Article: Retinoic acid induces locally controlled morphological and transcriptional changes in chordoblasts that lead to segmental notochord sheath mineralization, identifying chordoblasts as key skeletogenic cells during chordacentrum development in zebrafish.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
Spatial regulation of microtubule disruption during dendrite pruning in Drosophila
Summary: Kinesin-dependent uniform plus-end-in microtubule organization is required for efficient c4da neuron microtubule breakdown and dendrite pruning in the Drosophila PNS during early pupal phase.
Collagen 18 and agrin are secreted by neural crest cells to remodel their microenvironment and regulate their migration during enteric nervous system development
Summary: ECM heparan sulfate proteoglycans are cell-autonomous regulators of ENS development in mouse and chick, with Col18 expression at the wavefront being permissive and agrin expression post-colonization being inhibitory to ENCDC migration.
The non-canonical Wnt-PCP pathway shapes the mouse caudal neural plate
Summary: Chemical and genetic disruption of the Wnt-PCP pathway disrupts apical actomyosin contraction and cell rearrangements essential for tissue folding, resulting in neural tube closure defects such as spina bifida.
Feedback between tissue packing and neurogenesis in the zebrafish neural tube
Highlighted Article: Live imaging demonstrates that neural tube progenitors differentiate when displaced from the apical surface, allowing negative feedback control on cell number.
aPKC is a key polarity determinant in coordinating the function of three distinct cell polarities during collective migration
Summary: The Crb complex, Par complex and the endocytic recycling machinery ensure a polarized distribution of aPKC required for actin-based protrusion formation during remodeling of border cell polarity in the Drosophila ovary.
Proliferation-independent role of NF2 (merlin) in limiting biliary morphogenesis
Highlighted Article: A proliferation-independent requirement for the tumor suppressor NF2 (merlin) in intrahepatic bile duct formation during mouse liver development elucidates a novel self-organizing model of duct morphogenesis.
Ldb1- and Rnf12-dependent regulation of Lhx2 controls the relative balance between neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the retina
Summary: Co-expression of Rnf12 with Lhx2 in the retina is both necessary and sufficient for Müller gliogenesis, identifying a novel molecular switching mechanism that regulates retinal neurogenesis and gliogenesis.
Coordination of meristem and boundary functions by transcription factors in the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS regulatory network
Highlighted Article: The Arabidopsis transcription factor SHOOT MERISTEMLESS coordinates multiple aspects of meristem function by regulating the expression of other transcription factors with key roles in pluripotency and pattern formation.
Biologists @ 100 - join us in Liverpool in March 2025
We are excited to invite you to a unique scientific conference, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of The Company of Biologists, and bringing together our different communities. The conference will incorporate the Spring Meetings of the BSCB and the BSDB, the JEB Symposium Sensory Perception in a Changing World and a DMM programme on antimicrobial resistance. Find out more and register your interest to join us in March 2025 in Liverpool, UK.
Pathway to independence: perspectives on the future
In this Perspective, our second cohort of Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows showcase their research interests and thoughts on the future of the field of developmental biology. These talented postdocs cover topics as diverse as plant development, tissue engineering and adaptation to climate change. Look out for an announcement about the next call for applications later this year to become a Pathway to Independence fellow.
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.
The fascinating world of developmental biology
Development, British Society of Developmental Biology and Cambridge Filmworks teamed up to produce a documentary showcasing the wonder and the importance of the developmental biology field. We hope this video will help to promote our field and inspire the next generation of developmental biologists. We invite you to watch, enjoy and – most importantly - share this movie.
Modelling Plant Stem Cells: Evolution, Development and Regeneration
Early-career researchers can now apply for a funded place for the Modelling Plant Stem Cells: Evolution, Development and Regeneration Workshop happening on 18-21 May 2025. This is a great opportunity that could enhance your career in various ways. Application deadline: Friday 15 November 2024.