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Molluscan models: Crepidula fornicata
Jonathan Q Henry1, Deirdre C Lyons2
1University of Illinois, Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, 601 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|August 16, 2016
Summary
The slipper snail genus Crepidula is a valuable model for studying Spiralia development and evolution. Research advances understanding of gastrulation, molecular development, and genome editing, aiding ecological control and cultivation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Gastropod snails in the genus Crepidula are increasingly utilized as model organisms for the metazoan super clade, Spiralia.
- Recent studies on Crepidula fornicata have yielded high-resolution cell lineage fate maps and detailed morphogenetic events during gastrulation.
- Crepidula species, particularly C. fornicata, are ecologically significant as invasive species and are also harvested for food.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in developing Crepidula snails as model systems for evolutionary, developmental, and ecological research.
- To highlight how studies on Crepidula contribute to understanding bilaterian biology.
- To explore potential applications in controlling and cultivating these snails.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on Crepidula.
- Analysis of cell lineage fate mapping studies.
- Examination of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing applications in Spiralia.
Main Results:
- High-resolution cell lineage fate maps for Crepidula have been generated.
- Detailed insights into gastrulation morphogenetic events have been obtained.
- The first CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in Spiralia was demonstrated in Crepidula.
Conclusions:
- Crepidula snails are valuable models for diverse biological studies, advancing our understanding of Spiralia and bilaterians.
- Research on Crepidula offers potential strategies for managing invasive populations and for aquaculture.
- Continued investigation promises significant contributions to evolutionary, developmental, and ecological sciences.
