Cell type-independent timekeeping gene modules enable embryonic stage prediction in zebrafish.

ABSTRACT: Gene expression changes across embryonic development reflect both differentiation and genes whose expression varies strictly with developmental time, independent of cell type. Multiple embryonic timing systems set the onset and pace of developmental events, and blocking transcription arrests many of these events. However, the genes comprising the vertebrate embryonic timing system(s) remain largely unknown. To identify genes whose expression changes with time alone, we examine naive zebrafish embryonic explants that form only two tissue types yet maintain developmental timing, thus uncoupling developmental age from most differentiation programs. By comparing longitudinal gene expression in naïve explants with Nodal-induced explants that differentiate into all three germ layers, we identify

SUBMITTER: Kanchi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12642444 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature