Cornea to Lens Transdifferentiation in Xenopus laevis
Author Information
Author(s): Robert C Day, Caroline W Beck
Primary Institution: University of Otago
Hypothesis
BMP signalling is required for lens regeneration in Xenopus laevis.
Conclusion
The study shows that BMP and Wnt signalling pathways are crucial for the transdifferentiation of corneal cells into lens cells in Xenopus laevis.
Supporting Evidence
- BMP signalling is essential for lens regeneration.
- Wnt signalling components are upregulated during lens regeneration.
- Pitx genes, which may be Wnt targets, are upregulated during lens regeneration.
Takeaway
When the lens is removed from a frog's eye, the cornea can turn into a new lens, and this process needs certain signals from the body to happen.
Methodology
The study used a transgenic approach and microarray analysis to investigate gene expression during lens regeneration.
Limitations
The study only examined a single time point in the regeneration process.
Participant Demographics
Xenopus laevis tadpoles were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website