Functional genomics in Xenopus tropicalis

In order to identify genes involved in mesoderm specification and morphogenesis, we have been developing genomic resources and bioinformatics tools, in combination with functional screens, to identify additional genes involved in these processes (Gilchrist et al, 2004; Amaya, 2005). As part of this project we have identified over 7,000 full-length clones from Xenopus tropicalis and have screened nearly 2,000 of these clones for genes affecting mesoderm formation and/or morphogenesis (Chen et al, 2005). Of those tested, we have isolated 82 genes, which alter or inhibit mesoderm formation and/or gastrulation movements (Figure 3).

Fig. 3

Figure 3: A montage of embryos showing the expression pattern of a select group of genes identified in a large-scale gain of function screen aimed at identifying genes able to alter the specification mesoderm and/or morphogenesis. The top row shows embryos at the gastrula stages, the next rows show embryos at the neurula stages and the bottom rows show embryos at the tailbud stages.