faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Kinship affects morphogenesis in cannibalistic salamanders

Article Abstract:

The hypothesis that kinship environment is a factor in the morphogenesis of species which produce alternative cannibalistic and non-cannibalistic phenotypes was tested through a study of Arizona tiger salamanders. It was discovered that tiger salamander larvae were more likely to develop into cannibalistic phenotypes and at an earlier age when reared in mixed-brood groups than were siblings reared in pure-sibship groups. This implies that morphogenesis can be affected by kinship environment in species which facultatively develops cannibal morphs.

Behavior, Salamanders, Animal behavior, Cannibalism (Animals), Animal cannibalism

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Elastin is an essential determinant of arterial morphogenesis

Article Abstract:

Elastin is the main constituent of the extracellular matrix of arteries and was believed to have a solely structural role. A new study investigates the role of elastin by generating mice without elastin in their arteries. The death of these mice is caused by an obstructive arterial disease resulting from subendothelial cell proliferation and smooth muscle reorganization. It is concluded that elastin has an unexpected regulatory function during arterial development.

Causes of, Arteries, Arterial occlusions, Arterial occlusive diseases, Elastin

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Fringe is essential for mirror symmetry and morphogenesis in the Drosophila eye

Article Abstract:

The signalling protein Fringe (Fng) has a sequence homology to the glycosyltransferases. In Drosophila eye development is an early event is the eye disc division into dorsoventral domains. It is shown that Fng is specifically expressed in the ventral portion of the undifferentiated eye disc, creating a dorsoventral boundary. Equatorial expression of Notch signalling proteins is disrupted by lack of Fng boundary, and leads to failure of eye development.

Eye, Drosophila

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