INT 9707861 Holland This U.S.-Czech research project between Linda Holland and Nicholas Holland of the University of California, Scripps Institute, and Zbynek Kozmik of the Czech Institute of Molecular Genetics will examine developmental genetic data to indicate homologies between body regions of distantly related animals. Specifically, this project focuses on cephalochordate amphioxus as a plausible, more simple model for the proximate invertebrate ancestor of vertebrates. The collaborative work features the developmental expression and function of the Pax gene family in amphioxus which is involved in morphogenesis of the vertebrate pharynx, nerve cord, eyes, axial musculature, and kidneys. The researchers intend to isolate cDNA and genomic DNA clones of amphioxus homologs of the Pax family and use them as templates for the synthesis of antisense riboprobes to determine by in situ hybridization where and when these homologs are expressed in developing amphioxus. From the observed localization patterns inferences can be made about homologous genes. The combined expertise in embryology and expression patterns (U.S.) and cloning and gene analysis (Czech) are expected to yield new insights into the evolution of the vertebrate body plan and the mechanisms involved in shaping a chordate embryo. The information will contribute to our basic understanding of how genes interact to create an organism. This project in developmental biology fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Central Europe to combine complementary talents and pool resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence. ??
