Dr. Akiko KONDOW (Fujita Health University)

2016. 08. 29 (Mon) 10:30 ~ 11:00

Conference Room, NIBB (Myodaiji)　

Laboratory of Bioresources, Yusuke Takehana (7579)　

The 9th NIBB International Practical Course

The 4th NIBB-TLL Joint International Practical Course

Open Seminar

Dynamics of Nodal signal during early zebrafish development

Nodal is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) superfamily growth factors. It is required for germ layer specification and axis formation in the early embryo development in fish. Nodal signal induce concentration and duration-dependent response in target cells. However, it remains to be elucidated how concentration and duration of Nodal signal synergistically contribute to cell response during development.
 

To address this question, we studied when each cell in zebrafish embryo receives Nodal signal during early development. To visualize the response to Nodal signal in cells, the nuclear accumulation of transducer Smad2-Smad4 complex was measured. To track cells during gastrulation, it was necessary to observe an embryo three-dimensionally for several hours. However, it was difficult to achieve with a conventional confocal microscope because of its high phototoxicity. By using digital scanned light sheet microscope, we were successful in detecting cell response to Nodal signal from late blastula to midgastrula stage.