FREE CYTOSOLIC CALCIUM GRADIENTS IN EARLY DEVELOPMENT

P.I.建议探索稳定的胞内游离钙离子的作用 在早期发育阶段建立模式的梯度。这样的梯度 从未被直接演示过。尽管如此，一个缓慢增长但 大量的间接证据表明它们的存在，它们的 方向及其意义；而最近的技术进步应该 现在使直接检测和测量这种梯度成为可能。 为实现这一点而提出的方法包括使用 化学修饰的Aequorins和所谓的成像光子探测器 以及传统的光子计数系统。提出的生命系统 它们的探险对象包括岩藻(褐藻)卵，即青花鱼 卵，海胆卵，海鞘卵和细胞黏菌， 网柄网柄菌属。 在可以测量梯度的地方，它们的发育作用将是 探索过了。这将通过旨在修改(甚至压制)的手段来实现 钙梯度和/或发育模式。这些手段将包括 钙缓冲注射和外加钙离子载体的使用 梯度以及锂离子和其他图案改进剂 和模式突变体一样。 在这些研究中可能获得的基本见解应该是 归根结底与健康的那些方面有关，这些方面取决于增长和 发展。

The P.I. proposes to explore the role of steady free cytosolic calcium ion gradients in establishing pattern during early development. Such gradients have never been directly demonstrated. Nevertheless, a slowly growing but substantial body of indirect evidence indicates both their existence, their direction and their significance; while recent technical advances should now make it possible to directly detect and measure such gradients. The methods which are proposed to accomplish this involve the use of chemically modified aequorins and a so-called imaging photon detector as well as a conventional photon counting system. The living systems proposed for their exploration include the fucoid (brown algal) egg, the medaka fish egg, the sea urchin egg, the ascidian egg and the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium. Where gradients can be measured, their developmental role will then be explored. This will be done by means intended to modify (or even suppress) calcium gradients and/or developmental pattern. These means will include the use of calcium buffer injections and imposed calcium ionophore gradients as well as lithium ions and other pattern-modifying agents as well as pattern mutants. The fundamental insights that may be gained in these studies should ultimately relate to those aspects of health which depend upon growth and development.