Neural development

我建议继续进行一项研究计划，其长期目标是确定胚胎神经系统模式的潜在分子机制。 一系列的研究概述中，我将测试胚胎起源的神经，Eph受体和ephrin信号引导神经祖细胞迁移的机制的假设。 这些研究将在海胆胚胎中进行--海胆胚胎是研究神经发生的模型。 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，使这个项目独一无二。 我建议支持一个计划，以培养学生在现代发育生物学中，细胞信号分子的确切作用可以确定。 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。 海胆显示出与脊椎动物密切的分子亲缘关系，但它们有一个显着不同的身体计划。 初步研究揭示了与脊椎动物共有的特征，为我们理解神经进化提供了机会。 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Eph/ephrin信号传导的功能和神经发育的进化提供新的视角和见解。

I propose continuation of a research program in which the long term objective is to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that pattern embryonic nervous systems. A series of studies are outlined in which I will test hypotheses on the embryonic origin of nerves, and the mechanisms by which Eph receptor and ephrin signaling guide migration of neural progenitor cells. These studies are to be carried out in sea urchin embryos - a 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 unique. I propose support for a program to train students in modern developmental biology in which the precise roles of cell signalling molecules can be determined. These studies will contribute to fundamental questions of the role of cellular signaling in animal development. Sea urchins show close molecular kinship with vertebrates, yet they have a remarkably different body plan. Preliminary studies have revealed features that are shared with vertebrates providing an opportunity to contribute to our understanding of neural evolution. 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 of Eph/ephrin signaling and evolution of neural development.