Formation of the ascidian epidermal sensory neurons: insights into the origin of the chordate peripheral nervous system.

ABSTRACT: The vertebrate peripheral nervous system (PNS) originates from neural crest and placodes. While its developmental origin is the object of intense studies, little is known concerning its evolutionary history. To address this question, we analyzed the formation of the larval tail PNS in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. The tail PNS of Ciona is made of sensory neurons located within the epidermis midlines and extending processes in the overlying tunic median fin. We show that each midline corresponds to a single longitudinal row of epidermal cells and neurons sharing common progenitors. This simple organization is observed throughout the tail epidermis, which is made of only eight single-cell rows, each expressing a specific genetic program. We next demonstrate that the epidermal neurons are

SUBMITTER: Pasini A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1481523 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature