From dynamic expression patterns to boundary formation in the presomitic mesoderm

The segmentation of the vertebrate body is laid down during early embryogenesis. The formation of signaling gradients, the periodic expression of genes of the Notch-, Fgf- and Wnt-pathways and their interplay in the unsegmented presomitic mesoderm (PSM) precedes the rhythmic budding of nascent somites at its anterior end, which later develops into epithelialized structures, the somites. Although many in silico models describing partial aspects of somitogenesis already exist, simulations of a complete causal chain from gene expression in the growth zone via the interaction of multiple cells to segmentation are rare. Here, we present an enhanced gene regulatory network (GRN) for mice in a simulation program that models the growing PSM by many virtual cells and integrates WNT3A and FGF8 gradient formation, periodic gene expression and Delta/Notch signaling. Assuming Hes7 as core of the somitogenesis clock and LFNG as modulator, we postulate a negative feedback of HES7 on Dll1 leading to an oscillating Dll1 expression as seen in vivo. Furthermore, we are able to simulate the experimentally observed wave of activated NOTCH (NICD) as a result of the interactions in the GRN. We esteem our model as robust for a wide range of parameter values with the Hes7 mRNA and protein decays exerting a strong influence on the core oscillator. Moreover, our model predicts interference between Hes1 and HES7 oscillators when their intrinsic frequencies differ. In conclusion, we have built a comprehensive model of somitogenesis with HES7 as core oscillator that is able to reproduce many experimentally observed data in mice.     

EFFECTOR OF TRANSCRIPTION2 is involved in xylem differentiation and includes a functional DNA single strand cutting domain

EFFECTORS OF TRANSCRIPTION2 (ET) are plant-specific regulatory proteins characterized by the presence of two to five C-terminal DNA- and Zn-binding repeats, and a highly conserved cysteine pattern. We describe the structural characterization of the three member Arabidopsis thalianaET gene family and reveal some allelic sequence polymorphisms. A mutation analysis showed that AtET2 affects the expression of various KNAT genes involved in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of cambial meristem cells. It also plays a role in the regulation of GA5 (gibberellin 3-beta-dioxygenase) and the cell-cycle-related GASA4. A correlation was established between AtET2 expression and the cellular differentiation state. AtET-GFP fusion proteins shuttle between the cytoplasm and nucleus, with the AtET2 product prevented from entering the nucleus in non-differentiating cells. Within the nucleus, AtET2 probably acts via a single strand cutting domain. A more general regulatory role for ET factors is proposed, governing cell differentiation in cambial meristems, a crucial process for the development of plant vascular tissues.     

Adaptive radiation in the Congo River: An ecological speciation scenario for African weakly electric fish (Teleostei; Mormyridae; Campylomormyrus)

The ultimate aim of this study is to better understand the diversification of African weakly electric fish in the Congo River. Based on a robust phylogenetic hypothesis we examined the radiation within the mormyrid genus Campylomormyrus. Morphological traits relevant for the divergence between the identified species were detected. Among them, the variation in the shape of the trunk-like elongated snout suggested the presence of different trophic specializations. Furthermore, the chosen model taxon, the genus Campylomormyrus, exhibits a wide diversity of electric organ discharge (EOD) waveforms. A comparison of EOD waveform types and phylogenetic relationships showed major differences in EOD between closely related species. This indicates that the EOD might function as a reproductive isolation mechanism. In conclusion, we provide a plausible scenario of an adaptive radiation triggered by sexual selection and assortative mating based on EOD characteristics, but caused by a divergent selection on the feeding apparatus. These findings point towards an adaptive radiation of at least some Campylomormyrus species occurring in the Lower Congo River.     

Isolation of a homogeneous morphogenetic factor, inducing mesoderm and endoderm derived tissues in Triturus ectoderm

A vegetalizing factor was isolated from 12-day-old chicken embryos by isoelectric focusing and acrylamide electrophoresis. A mol. wt of 30000–32000 Daltons has been estimated for this protein by different methods.     

Die Ultrastruktur des Epithels des Wolffschen Ganges und des Ductus deferens beim Schafembryo

Zusammenfassung Die Epithelzellen der Wolffschen Gänge bzw. der Samenleiter von 28 Schafembryonen der Größe von 1,1–45 cm Scheitel-Steiß-Länge (SSL) wurden elektronenmikroskopisch untersucht. Der Golgiapparat von Embryonen in der Phase der aktiven Urnierensekretion zeichnet sich durch Zisternen mit kondensiertem Inhalt aus, von denen sich kleine coated vesicles abschnüren. Bei Feten mit inaktiver Urniere wurden keine Zisternen mit kondensiertem Inhalt beobachtet. Die Abschnürung kiemer coated vesicles vom Golgiapparat tritt jedoch in allen untersuchten Altersstadien auf. Eine zweite Population großer coated vesicles schnürt sich vom apikalen, basalen und interzellulären Plasmalemm ab, besonders häufig beim fast geburtsreifen Fetus. Die Vereinigung von Golgivesikeln mit einem Inhalt von mittlerer Elektronendichte mit multivesikulären Körpern kann in allen untersuchten Stadien festgestellt werden. Glykogen findet sich bereits bei 1,1 cm SSL in Lagern; ab ca. 20 cm SSL ist eine erhebliche Glykogenvermehrung zu beobachten. Stereozilien und glattes endoplasmatisches Retikulum treten erst ab 45 cm SSL auf.

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Fine structure of the epithelia of the Wolffian duct and of the vas deferens in fetal sheep

Summary The ultrastructure of the epithelium of the Wolffian duct and of the vas deferens of fetal sheep ranging from 1,1 to 45 cm CRL has been studied. The Golgi apparatus of specimens possessing an actively secreting mesonephros shows condensation of the contents of the cisternae with budding of small coated vesicles. In the fetuses possessing inactive mesonephros no condensation of the contents of Golgi cisternae is to be observed, but the budding of small coated vesicles continues. A second population of large coated vesicles originating by invagination of the plasma membrane occurs on the periphery of the epithelium cells, namely in the apical cell poles of the near term fetuses. The convergence and subsequent fusion of Golgi vesicles of medium electron density is already found in patches in the 1,1 cm CRL fetus; it increases in abundance in specimens of more than 20 cm CRL. Stereocilia and agranular endoplasmatic reticulum appear in full-term sheep fetuses.

     

Reproduction and development in some species of the weakly electric genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Campylomormyrus</Emphasis> (Mormyridae,Teleostei)

Reproduction in captivity of four species of the mormyrid genus Campylomormyrus was investigated. Cyclical reproduction was provoked by changing water conductivity (C) alone: decreasing C led to gonadal recrudescence, an increase induced gonad regression. Data on the reproduction and development of three species are presented. All three species are indeterminate fractional spawners. Spawning intervals ranged from 6 to 66 days in C. rhynchophorus, 10–75 days in C. tshokwe, and 18 days in C. compressirostris (calculated values). Fecundities (eggs per fractional spawning) ranged from 70 to 1570 eggs in C. rhynchophorus, 100–1192 in C. tshokwe, and 38–246 in C. compressirostris. Spawnings/ovipositions occurred during the second half of the night; no parental care was observed; no special spawning substrates were necessary. C. compressirostris successfully spawned in breeding groups, C. rhynchophorus as pair. Agonistic behavior in the C. tshokwe pair forced us to divide the breeding tank; therefore, only ovipositions occurred. However, injection of an artificial GnRH hormone allowed us to obtain ripe eggs and sperm and to perform successful artificial reproduction. All three species produce yolky, slightly sticky eggs. Egg diameter ranges from 2.3–3.0 mm. Hatching occurred on day 3, feeding started on day 11. Transition from larval to juvenile stage occurred at around 20 mm total length (TL). At this size C. rhynchophorus developed a higher body than the two other species and differences between the species in the melanin pigmentation of the unpaired fins occurred. Between 32 and 35 mm TL the upper and lower jaws started to elongate.