A global view of gene expression in lithium and zinc treated sea urchin embryos: new components of gene regulatory networks.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genome of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus has recently been sequenced because it is a major model system for the study of gene regulatory networks. Embryonic expression patterns for most genes are unknown, however.

Results

Using large-scale screens on arrays carrying 50% to 70% of all genes, we identified novel territory-specific markers. Our strategy was based on computational selection of genes that are differentially expressed in lithium-treated embryos, which form excess endomesoderm, and in zinc-treated embryos, in which endomesoderm specification is blocked. Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) analysis of 700 genes indicates that the apical organ region is eliminated in lithium-treated embryos. Conversely, apical and specifically neural

SUBMITTER: Poustka AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1929154 | biostudies-literature | 2007

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature