Evolution of Cranial Patterning: Role of the Neural Crest

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9419407 James Hanken The ultimate goal of this research project is to understand the developmental basis of anatomical differences in anatomy of the head among species. The studies focus on a unique population of cells--the neural crest--from which many cranial tissues in vertebrates are derived. The specific contributions of neural crest cells to the skull and cranial musculature in different species will be assessed by labeling these cells with a fluorescent dye early in development, before they begin to migrate throughout the body, and tracking their movement to see which cranial tissues are derived from the labeled cells. The research will also determine whether neural crest cells contain the developmental information that is responsible for anatomical differences among species and document the place and time during development where genes are expressed that might mediate the development and adult fates of neural crest cells. The research will increase our knowledge of the genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying the integrated evolution of complex anatomical structures.