Retinoic acid (RA), derived from vitamin A, is a major teratogen, clinically recognized in
1983. Identification of its natural presence in the embryo and dissection of its molecular …

Cranial placodes are evolutionary innovations of vertebrates. However, they most likely
evolved by redeployment, rewiring and diversification of preexisting cell types and …

Unidirectional zippering is a key step in neural tube closure that remains poorly understood.
Here, we combine experimental and computational approaches to identify the mechanism …

During vertebrate development, the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) periodically segments into
somites, which will form the segmented vertebral column and associated muscle, connective …

Ascidians are the closest living relatives of vertebrates, and their study is important for
understanding the evolutionary processes of oocyte maturation and ovulation. In this study …

Tunicates occupy the evolutionary position at the boundary of invertebrates and vertebrates.
It exhibits adaptation to broad environmental conditions and is distributed globally. Despite …

In context of testing, screening and monitoring of endocrine-disrupting (ED) type of
environmental pollutants, tunicates could possibly represent a particularly interesting group …

The specification of distinct cardiac lineages occurs before chamber formation and
acquisition of bona fide atrial or ventricular identity. However, the mechanisms underlying …

Ascidians belong to tunicates, the sister group of vertebrates. Peripheral nervous systems
(PNSs) including epidermal sensory neurons (ESNs) in the trunk and dorsal tail regions of …

Tunicates, the sister group of vertebrates, offer a unique perspective for evolutionary
developmental studies (Evo-Devo) due to their simple anatomical organization. Moreover …