Action of morpholinos in Ciona embryos
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Updated: Oct 5, 2026
Embryo Microinjection and Electroporation in the Chordate Ciona intestinalis
Published on: October 16, 2016
1Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan. yutaka@ascidian.zool.kyoto-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
First, using morpholino against lacZ, we demonstrate that the morpholino specifically suppresses the translation of the gene introduced exogenously into Ciona eggs. Second, using morpholino against an alkaline phosphatase gene, we show that the morpholino suppresses the translation of the endogenous gene as well. Third, using morpholino against beta-catenin gene, we confirm that the suppression by the morpholino can be rescued by injection of beta-catenin mRNA. All of these results indicate that morpholino act in Ciona embryos to specifically block the function of endogenous genes as well as exogenously introduced genes. genesis 30: 103--106, 2001.
Insights
Morpholinos effectively silence gene expression in Ciona embryos. These findings confirm morpholinos can block both introduced and native gene functions, crucial for developmental studies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Morpholinos are synthetic molecules used to block gene translation.
- Understanding gene function in vivo is essential for developmental biology research.
- Ciona intestinalis is a model organism for studying chordate development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of morpholinos in suppressing gene expression in Ciona embryos.
- To determine if morpholinos can target both exogenous and endogenous genes.
- To validate the specificity and rescue potential of morpholino-mediated gene suppression.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing morpholino antisense oligonucleotides targeting specific genes (lacZ, alkaline phosphatase, beta-catenin).
- Assessing gene translation suppression in Ciona eggs and embryos.
- Performing rescue experiments by injecting specific mRNA to counteract morpholino effects.
Main Results:
- Morpholinos specifically suppressed the translation of an exogenously introduced lacZ gene.
- Morpholinos demonstrated suppression of an endogenous alkaline phosphatase gene.
- Beta-catenin morpholino-induced suppression was rescued by beta-catenin mRNA injection, confirming specificity.
Conclusions:
- Morpholinos are effective tools for specifically inhibiting gene function in Ciona embryos.
- Morpholino technology can be applied to both exogenous and endogenous genes in this model organism.
- These findings support the use of morpholinos for functional genetic studies in Ciona development.
