Post-Embryonic Nerve-Associated Precursors to Adult Pigment Cells: Genetic Requirements and Dynamics of Morphogenesis and Differentiation

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002044
• Publication Date: 2011-05-19T20:46:49Z
• Authors: Erine H. Budi; Larissa B. Patterson; David M. Parichy
• Keywords: Melanophore; Fate mapping; Developmental Biology

The pigment cells of vertebrates serve a variety functions and generate stunning patterns. These are also implicated in human pathologies including melanoma. Whereas the events cell development have been studied extensively embryo, much less is known about morphogenesis differentiation these during post-embryonic stages. Previous studies zebrafish revealed genetically distinct populations embryonic adult melanophores, ectotherm homologue amniote melanocytes. Here, we use molecular markers, vital labeling, time-lapse imaging, mutational analyses, transgenesis to identify peripheral nerves as niche for precursors melanophores that subsequently migrate skin form pattern. We further genetic requirements establishing, maintaining, recruiting melanophore lineage demonstrate novel compensatory behaviors pattern regulation mutant backgrounds. Finally, show latent having differential regenerative capabilities persist into adult. findings provide foundation future development, evolution, neoplasia.