Studies on vertebrate development by the transposon-mediated Gal4 enhancer trap method

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We successfully developed the Gal4 enhancer trap and gene trap methods with the Tol2 transposable element, and generated more than 1,000 transgenic fish lines that express Gal4 in spatially and temporally restricted fashions during embryonic development. By using these transgenic fish, we disclosed mechanisms of organogenesis including the lateral line, lymphatic system, lens, retina and notochord. Further, we analyzed behavioral abnormalities caused by inhibition of spinal sensory- and inter-neurons and a specific subset of the olfactory sensory neurons. Furthermore, we visualized firing of motor circuits by calcium imaging. Thus, we established the basis for studies of developmental biology and neuroscience in a vertebrate.