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Tracking and Quantifying Developmental Processes in C. elegans Using Open-source Tools
Published on: December 16, 2015
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Principles of developmental biology
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and the Children' s Health Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-3401, USA. schoenwolf@hsc.utah.edu
Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Developmental biology research reveals conserved mechanisms across species and organ systems. Understanding normal development offers hope for treating diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Developmental biology has a 500-year history.
- Recent advances leverage genetics, molecular biology, and experimental embryology.
- Modern techniques focus on molecular markers over morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize key principles in developmental biology.
- To highlight conserved mechanisms and inductive interactions.
- To connect developmental understanding to disease and regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing modern genetics and molecular biology techniques.
- Employing experimental embryology.
- Using molecular markers to identify cell populations and differentiation states.
Main Results:
- Three core principles of development have emerged: conservation, inductive interactions, and lifelong plasticity.
- Developmental mechanisms are conserved across organ systems and organisms at tissue, cellular, and molecular levels.
- Inductive interactions, mediated by conserved growth factors and signaling, influence organ development.
Conclusions:
- Developmental processes are highly conserved and influenced by intercellular communication.
- Development is a continuous process, relevant to regeneration and disease.
- Advances in developmental biology offer potential for novel cancer therapies.
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