Signalling and neural development

我建议继续进行一项研究计划，其目标是调查胚胎的图案和神经的形成。 一系列的研究概述中，我将检查胚胎规格的细胞成为神经元的分子基础。 我还将研究胚胎的模式，这些模式产生精确的神经元阵列，并相互连接和支配靶器官。 这些研究将在海胆胚胎中进行-这是一种研究神经发生的新模型。 我参与了海胆基因组的测序和注释，操纵基因表达的经验，以及对海胆胚胎神经发育的长期兴趣，使这个项目在国际上独一无二。 我建议支持一项计划，以培养学生和博士后在现代发育生物学中的细胞信号分子和转录因子的确切作用可以确定。 我将继续研究一个基因调控网络，指定神经源性外胚层。 我将使用一种系统的方法来映射基因和信号相互作用，调节一组神经的分化。 此外，我建议支持一个正在进行的项目中，初步数据表明，单一的海胆SP-Eph受体及其配体，SP-ephrin共表达在不同的领域的一个子集的外胚层细胞，它们的功能在指定细胞的命运为靶细胞的神经元。 这些研究将有助于细胞信号在动物发育中的作用的基本问题。 这是一个既定的高质量研究计划，已被证明是研究培训的激励环境。 这项研究计划将建立海胆胚胎作为神经发育的独特模型，有可能为神经发育的功能和进化提供新的视角和见解。

I propose continuation of a research program in which the objective is to investigate embryonic patterning and formation of nerves. A series of studies are outlined in which I will examine the molecular basis of embryonic specification of cells to become neurons. I will also investigate the patterning of the embryo that produces a precise array of neurons and that interconnect and innervate target organs. These studies are to be carried out in sea urchin embryos - a novel model for studies in neurogenesis. My involvement with the sequencing and annotation of the sea urchin genome, experience with manipulation of gene expression, and a longstanding interest in neural development in urchin embryos makes this program internationally unique. I propose support for a program to train students and post-docs in modern developmental biology in which the precise roles of cell signalling molecules and transcription factors can be determined. I will continue studies of a gene regulatory network that specifies neurogenic ectoderm. I will use a systematic approach to map gene and signaling interactions that regulate the differentiation of a set of nerves. In addition, I propose support for an ongoing project in which preliminary data indicates the single sea urchin Sp-Eph receptor and its ligand, Sp-ephrin are co-expressed in separate domains of a subset of ectodermal cells and they function in specifying cell fate for target cells of neurons. These studies will contribute to fundamental questions of the role of cellular signalling in animal development. This is an established program of high-quality research that has been demonstrated to be a stimulating environment for research training. This research program will establish sea urchin embryos as a unique model for neural development with the potential to give new perspectives and insights to the function and evolution of neural development.