Post-embryonic Phases Research Articles

Reserves of Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium, Phosphorus, Strontium and Zinc in Goose Egg Yolk during Embryo Development.

This study evaluated the changes in calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) values in goose egg yolk during the incubation period. This study was conducted on a completely random selection using 200 fertile eggs from a local flock of geese. A selection of 30 fertile eggs were randomly sampled on days 0, 9.5, 19.5, 25 and 30 of incubation (total: 150 eggs), and the yolks of 5 eggs in each replicate were mixed together and considered as one replicate (six replicates in each incubation period). The mineral content of the yolks was measured using the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy method. The results of this study show that, during the incubation of goose eggs from 0 to 30 days of embryo growth, except for Ca, the yolk content (absolute weight) of all the measured minerals, including Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr and Zn, on day 30 of incubation were statistically significantly lower than on day 0 of incubation. Additionally, the yolk concentrations of Fe, K, Mg, Na, P and Zn declined, the yolk concentrations of Ca and Sr increased, and the yolk concentrations of Cu and Mn were unchanged on day 30 compared to the first day of incubation. The results of the current study demonstrate that goose egg yolks' mineral concentrations change in absolute value during the incubation period, which could be the basis for further studies on chick feeding during the embryonic and post-embryonic phases.

The NGATHA-like Genes DPA4 and SOD7 Are Not Required for Stem Cell Specification during Embryo Development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

In plants, stem cells are embedded in structures called meristems. Meristems can be formed either during embryogenesis or during the plant’s life such as, for instance, axillary meristems. While the regulation of the stem cell population in an established meristem is well described, how it is initiated in newly formed meristems is less well understood. Recently, two transcription factors of the NGATHA-like family, DEVELOPMENT-RELATED PcG TARGET IN THE APEX4 (DPA4)/NGAL3 and SUPPRESSOR OF DA1-1 7 (SOD7)/NGAL2 have been shown to facilitate de novo stem cell initiation in Arabidopsis thaliana axillary meristems. Here, we tested whether the DPA4 and SOD7 genes had a similar role during stem cell formation in embryo shoot apical meristems. Using DPA4 and SOD7 reporter lines, we characterized the expression pattern of these genes during embryo development, revealing only a partial overlap with the stem cell population. In addition, we showed that the expression of a stem cell reporter was not modified in dpa4-2 sod7-2 double mutant embryos compared to the wild type. Together, these observations suggest that DPA4 and SOD7 are not required for stem cell specification during embryo shoot apical meristem initiation. This work stresses the difference in the regulatory network leading to meristem formation during the embryonic and post-embryonic phases.

A PHABULOSA-Controlled Genetic Pathway Regulates Ground Tissue Patterning in the Arabidopsis Root

SummaryIn both animals and plants, development involves anatomical modifications. In the root of Arabidopsis thaliana, maturation of the ground tissue (GT)—a tissue comprising all cells between epidermal and vascular ones—is a paradigmatic example of these modifications, as it generates an additional tissue layer, the middle cortex (MC).1, 2, 3, 4 In early post-embryonic phases, the Arabidopsis root GT is composed of one layer of endodermis and one of cortex. A second cortex layer, the MC, is generated by asymmetric cell divisions in about 80% of Arabidopsis primary roots, in a time window spanning from 7 to 14 days post-germination (dpg). The cell cycle regulator CYCLIN D6;1 (CYCD6;1) plays a central role in this process, as its accumulation in the endodermis triggers the formation of MC.5 The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) is a key regulator of the timing of MC formation, as alterations in its signaling and homeostasis result in precocious endodermal asymmetric cell divisions.3,6,7 However, little is known on how GAs are regulated during GT maturation. Here, we show that the HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER III (HD-ZIPIII) transcription factor PHABULOSA (PHB) is a master regulator of MC formation, controlling the accumulation of CYCD6;1 in the endodermis in a cell non-autonomous manner. We show that PHB activates the GA catabolic gene GIBBERELLIN 2 OXIDASE 2 (GA2ox2) in the vascular tissue, thus regulating the stability of the DELLA protein GIBBERELLIN INSENSITIVE (GAI)—a GA signaling repressor—in the root and, hence, CYCD6;1 expression in the endodermis.

Embryonic epigenetic reprogramming by a pioneer transcription factor in plants.

Epigenetic modifications, including chromatin modifications and DNA methylation, have a central role in the regulation of gene expression in plants and animals. The transmission of epigenetic marks is crucial for certain genes to retain cell lineage-specific expression patterns and maintain cell fate. However, the marks that have accumulated at regulatory loci during growth and development or in response to environmental stimuli need to be deleted in gametes or embryos, particularly in organisms such as plants that do not set aside a germ line, to ensure the proper development of offspring. In Arabidopsis thaliana, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures (winter cold), in a process known as vernalization, triggers the mitotically stable epigenetic silencing of the potent floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), and renders plants competent to flower in the spring; however, this silencing is reset during each generation. Here we show that the seed-specific transcription factor LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) promotes the initial establishment of an active chromatin state at FLC and activates its expression de novo in the pro-embryo, thus reversing the silenced state inherited from gametes. This active chromatin state is passed on from the pro-embryo to post-embryonic life, and leads to transmission of the embryonic memory of FLC activation to post-embryonic stages. Our findings reveal a mechanism for the reprogramming of embryonic chromatin states in plants, and provide insights into the epigenetic memory of embryonic active gene expression in post-embryonic phases, through which an embryonic factor acts to 'control' post-embryonic development processes that are distinct from embryogenesis in plants.

Post-embryonic development of canal and superficial neuromasts and the generation of two cranial lateral line phenotypes.

The relatively simple structural organization of the cranial lateral line system of bony fishes provides a valuable context in which to explore the ways in which variation in post-embryonic development results in functionally distinct phenotypes, thus providing a link between development, evolution, and behavior. Vital fluorescent staining, histology, and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe the distribution, morphology, and ontogeny of the canal and superficial neuromasts on the head of two Lake Malawi cichlids with contrasting lateral line canal phenotypes (Tramitichromis sp. [narrow-simple, well-ossified canals with small pores] and Aulonocara stuartgranti [widened, more weakly ossified canals with large pores]). This work showed that: 1) the patterning (number, distribution) of canal neuromasts, and the process of canal morphogenesis typical of bony fishes was the same in the two species, 2) two sub-populations of neuromasts (presumptive canal neuromasts and superficial neuromasts) are already distinguishable in small larvae and demonstrate distinctive ontogenetic trajectories in both species, 3) canal neuromasts differ with respect to ontogenetic trends in size and proportions between canals and between species, 4) the size, shape, configuration, physiological orientation, and overall rate of proliferation varies among the nine series of superficial neuromasts, which are found in both species, and 5) in Aulonocara, in particular, a consistent number of canal neuromasts accompanied by variability in the formation of canal pores during canal morphogenesis demonstrates independence of early and late phases of lateral line development. This work provides a new perspective on the contributions of post-embryonic phases of lateral line development and to the generation of distinct phenotypes in the lateral line system of bony fishes. J. Morphol. 277:1273-1291, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Creation of a heat-inducibleDrosophila RhoA+transgene and chromosomal mapping of the genomic insertions of the transgene

Morphogenesis is a fundamental developmental process that encompasses myriad cellular processes, including cell shape changes that determine an organism's form and function. The RhoA signal transduction pathway is highly conserved at cellular and molecular levels and significantly influences morphogenetic processes through regulation of cell shape changes. RhoA accomplishes this, in part, by regulating contraction of nonmuscle myosin and the subsequent sliding of the apical actin cytoskeleton to change cell shape. Since these processes are so highly conserved, Drosophila melanogaster serves as an effective model organism for these studies. Drosophila requires RhoA function during embryonic and pupal morphogenesis. RhoA mutants are recessive embryonic lethals that disrupt head involution. However, later developmental stages also require RhoA. In order to study the RhoA pathway during post-embryonic phases, a heat-inducible wild-type RhoA transgene (hRh) was constructed using PCR amplification and standard subcloning techniques. The hRh transgene was inserted into the Drosophila genome by injection into pre-cellularized Drosophila embryos by Rainbow Transgenic Flies, Inc. Seven transgenic lines were generated, and insertion locations were chromosomally mapped by a series of segregation analysis matings. Four of the seven lines had single transgene inserts; one of them mapped to the X-chromosome and the other three mapped to the Second chromosome. The remaining three lines exhibited two or three insertions within the genome, mapping to the Second, Third and/or Fourth chromosomes. A series of crosses were performed to accurately map these insertions while simultaneously generating sublines from each of them that carry only a single transgene insertion. Finally, the X-linked hRh transgene insertion was successfully introduced into a RhoA loss-of-function mutant background. In the future, these stocks will be analyzed for heat-induced rescue of the RhoA embryonic lethality.

Nutrition-Responsive Glia Control Exit of Neural Stem Cells from Quiescence

SummaryThe systemic regulation of stem cells ensures that they meet the needs of the organism during growth and in response to injury. A key point of regulation is the decision between quiescence and proliferation. During development, Drosophila neural stem cells (neuroblasts) transit through a period of quiescence separating distinct embryonic and postembryonic phases of proliferation. It is known that neuroblasts exit quiescence via a hitherto unknown pathway in response to a nutrition-dependent signal from the fat body. We have identified a population of glial cells that produce insulin/IGF-like peptides in response to nutrition, and we show that the insulin/IGF receptor pathway is necessary for neuroblasts to exit quiescence. The forced expression of insulin/IGF-like peptides in glia, or activation of PI3K/Akt signaling in neuroblasts, can drive neuroblast growth and proliferation in the absence of dietary protein and thus uncouple neuroblasts from systemic control.

Population dynamics of Oligonychus ilicis (McGREGOR, 1917) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in coffee plants and of their associated phytoseiids.

Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is considered one of the main phytophagous mites of coffee plants (Coffea spp.). Although not considered as principal, it was already referred as the second in importance for the Conillon coffee plant, Coffea canephora Pierre & Froehn er. It is commonly in equilibrium, probably due to the presence of natural enemies, among them predatory mites belonging to the Phytoseiidae family. This work had as objectives to evaluate the O. ilicis population dynamics through the months of the year, the phytoseiids associated, and the spatial distribution of those mites in coffee plants. Studies were carried in a 1.3 ha coffee field located at EPAMIG, Lavras, Minas Gerais. Biweekly, ten leaves of superior, medium and inferior thirds (five leaves from each plant side) were randomly sampled from ten plants. The appraised leaves were removed from the third or fourth pair from the branch extremity. O. ilicis occurred along the whole period, being found in larger number of eggs than post-embryonic phases. Number of eggs in the medium and inferior parts of the plants was bigger than in the superior part. The periods of larger occurrence of O. ilicis coincided with the low pluvial precipitation time. Five species of predatory mites were found: Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, 1972, Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant, 1959), Euseius citrifolius Denmark & Muma, 1970, Euseius concordis (Chant, 1959) and Euseius alatus DeLeon, 1966. The most abundant species was I. zuluagai, representing 72.4% of the phytoseiids collected and occurring during all the studied period.

Controle de Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes, 1939) e Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor, 1917) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae, Tetranychidae) em cafeeiro e o impacto sobre ácaros benéficos: II - Spirodiclofen e Azocyclotin

O ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) é importante em cafeeiro (Coffea spp.) por ser o vetor do vírus da mancha-anular, doença responsável por queda de folhas e má qualidade da bebida do café, e o ácaro-vermelho Oligonychus ilicis (McGregor) por reduzir a área foliar de fotossíntese. Ácaros da família Phytoseiidae, de várias espécies, são eficientes predadores associados aos ácaros-praga. Conduziu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de estudar o controle dos ácaros-praga com spirodiclofen e azocyclotin, e o impacto sobre fitoseídeos. Em laboratório foram estudados os efeitos ovicida, tópico, residual, tópico mais residual e a seletividade fisiológica aos fitoseídeos; em casa-de-vegetação foi avaliada a persistência no controle às duas espécies de ácaros-praga; e em campo foi avaliada a eficiência apenas no controle de B. phoenicis. Os bioensaios foram realizados em arenas de folhas destacadas. O efeito ovicida foi avaliado em ovos no início e final de incubação. Os efeitos residual, tópico e tópico mais residual foram avaliados pela mortalidade de larvas, ninfas e adultos aos oito dias, e a persistência até 30 dias após a aplicação. A seletividade aos fitoseídeos foi avaliada, pelo efeito na mortalidade e reprodução de fêmeas adultas, em teste residual em superfície de vidro. Spirodiclofen e azocyclotin (SC) mostraram eficiente ação ovicida, principalmente para ovos de B. phoenicis no início de incubação. Para ovos de O. ilicis, somente o spirodiclofen apresentou efeito ovicida. Em geral, os efeitos tópico e residual associados melhoraram a eficiência dos produtos no controle das fases pós-embrionárias de ambas as espécies. O spirodiclofen apresentou seletividade aos ácaros predadores, já o azocyclotin foi nocivo. Em campo, ambos os acaricidas mostram-se altamente eficientes na redução de todas as fases pós-embrionárias do ácaro B. phoenicis, principalmente nas folhas.

Biological effects of continuous exposure of embryos and young chickens to electromagnetic fields emitted by video display units

The effects of continuous exposure of embryos and young chickens to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by video display units (VDUs) were investigated. Embryos and brood were continuously exposed during embryonic and postembryonic phases to EMFs emitted by two types of VDU (TV or computer). Embryonic mortality was evaluated in three independent experiments. Young chickens were immunized three times by porcine thyroglobulin (Tg). Blood samples were assayed after each immunization for specific anti-Tg antibodies (IgG), plasma corticosterone (CORT), and plasma melatonin (MLT). In the sham-exposed samples, embryonic death (10-33%) was restricted to the perinatal period and the IgG, CORT, and MLT responses of young chickens crested after the second immunization. Constant EMF exposure was accompanied by significantly increased fetal loss (47-68%) and markedly depressed levels of circulating anti-Tg IgG, CORT, and MLT. Collectively, these findings indicate that continuous exposure to EMFs, issuing from VDUs, adversely affects embryos and young chickens.

Eupasiphae Gilesii (Wood-Mason, 1892) From the Northern Arabian Sea (Decapoda, Caridea)

Use of the names zoea and megalopa in the broad sense advocated here does not, of course, preclude the use of such terms as 'protozoea', 'typical brachyuran zoea' and 'phyllosoma' for particular types of zoea or of 'glaucothoe, 'puerulus' etc. for particular types of megalopa. If we define a larva as a young form which is morphologically distinct from the mature adult, then we may adopt the following definitions of the post embryonic phases in the development of the Decapoda and Euphausiacea: