Long-Distance Signals Are Required for Morphogenesis of the Regenerating Xenopus Tadpole Tail
Author Information
Author(s): Mondia Jessica P., Levin Michael, Omenetto Fiorenzo G., Orendorff Ryan D., Branch Mary Rose, Adams Dany Spencer
Primary Institution: Tufts University
Hypothesis
What role does the spinal cord play during tadpole tail regeneration?
Conclusion
The study concludes that a continuous dorsal midline, particularly an undamaged spinal cord, is necessary for proper tail regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles.
Supporting Evidence
- Damage to the spinal cord causes changes to the morphology of the regenerated tail.
- The more anterior the damage to the spinal cord, the more severe the effect on morphogenesis of the regenerating tail.
- Damage at two different AP levels causes malformations that are qualitatively different from the effects of damage at either site alone.
Takeaway
When tadpoles lose their tails, they can grow them back, but they need signals from their spinal cord to do it right.
Methodology
The study used femtosecond laser ablation to damage specific cells in the tadpole tail and analyzed the effects on regeneration using Geometric Morphometrics.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on the effects of laser ablation and may not account for all biological factors involved in regeneration.
Participant Demographics
Xenopus laevis tadpoles were used as the model organism.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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