Endothelin Signaling in the Lamprey Head and the Evolution of the Jaw

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Jawed vertebrates evolved from jawless fish a half billion years ago. This project aims to elucidate the developmental and genetic bases of this major evolutionary transition using the jawless fish lamprey as a model for the first jawless vertebrates. To do this, lamprey embryos will be injected with reagents to block or enhance the function of several genes involved in head skeleton development. These manipulations are aimed at partially recapitulating the evolutionary process and will reveal if changes in the function or deployment of these genes drove the evolution of the jaw. In addition to shedding light on a major evolutionary event, the project will also provide insight into how the head skeleton and jaw develops in all vertebrates, including humans. This will contribute to ongoing efforts to understand the developmental and genetic basis of diseases affecting the face, skull, and jaw. The project will also provide training and support for a laboratory technician, graduate student, and undergraduate students, as well as an opportunity for high school volunteers to participate in basic biological research.