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Decoupling elongation and segmentation: notch involvement in anostracan crustacean segmentation
Terri Williams1, Beata Blachuta, Thomas A Hegna
1Department of Biology, Trinity College, Hartford, CT 06106, USA. Terri.Williams@trincoll.edu
Evolution & Development
|July 7, 2012
Summary
Blocking Notch signaling arrests sequential body segmentation in crustaceans. This finding highlights Notch
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Crustacean biology
- Evolutionary developmental biology
Background:
- Arthropods exhibit repeated body segments formed through diverse developmental pathways.
- Sequential segmentation, adding segments from posterior growth, is common in arthropods.
- Notch signaling is increasingly recognized as vital for sequential segmentation across Bilateria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Notch signaling in the sequential segmentation of anostracan crustaceans.
- To determine the specific effects of blocking Notch signaling on crustacean development.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling using γ-secretase inhibitors in Artemia franciscana and Thamnocephalus platyurus.
- Observation and analysis of segment formation, size, boundaries, and gene expression (engrailed stripes).
Main Results:
- Blocking Notch signaling specifically arrested segmentation posterior to the third or fourth trunk segment in both species.
- Segment size, boundaries, engrailed stripe development, and overall growth remained unaffected.
- The observed phenotype was specific and repeatable across experimental trials.
Conclusions:
- Notch signaling is crucial for sequential segmentation in crustaceans, expanding its known role in arthropods.
- Loss-of-function Notch phenotypes exhibit significant variability among arthropod clades.
- This variability complicates evolutionary comparisons of Notch's role in segmentation with other animal groups.
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