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Assay for Neural Induction in the Chick Embryo
Published on: February 13, 2009
Assay for neural induction in the chick embryo
Delphine Psychoyos1, Richard Finnell
1Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Center for Environmental and Genetic Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, USA. dpsychoyos@ibt.tamhsc.edu
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|February 21, 2009
Summary
This study details a chick embryo grafting technique to understand neural induction. This method helps identify molecules that initiate brain and spinal cord formation in amniotes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Embryology
Background:
- The chick embryo is a key model for studying early development due to its accessibility.
- Understanding neural induction is crucial for comprehending brain and spinal cord formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a grafting method for studying neural induction in chick embryos.
- To facilitate the characterization of neural inducing molecules.
Main Methods:
- Grafting Hensen's node (organizer) onto host ectoderm in chick embryos.
- Culturing the host embryo for 18-22 hours post-grafting.
- Fixing and processing the embryo for molecular analysis, such as in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- The organizer graft successfully induced neural fate in overlying naive tissue.
- The demonstrated technique allows for the investigation of neural induction mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The grafting assay is effective for studying neural induction in chick embryos.
- This method is valuable for identifying molecules involved in early nervous system development.
