Digits in a dish: An system to assess the molecular genetics of hand/foot development at single-cell resolution.

models allow for the study of developmental processes outside of the embryo. To gain access to the cells mediating digit and joint development, we identified a unique property of undifferentiated mesenchyme isolated from the distal early autopod to autonomously re-assemble forming multiple autopod structures including: digits, interdigital tissues, joints, muscles and tendons. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of these developing structures revealed distinct cell clusters that express canonical markers of distal limb development including: , , and (phalanx formation), and (perichondrium), , , and (joint interzone), and (interdigital tissues), (muscle progenitors), (articular perichondrium/articular cartilage), and and (tenocytes/tendons).

Single-Cell Identification of Melanoma Biomarkers in Circulating Tumor Cells.

The current standard for investigating tumors is surgical biopsy, which is costly, invasive, and difficult to perform serially. As an adjunct, circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-cells that have broken away from the primary tumor or metastatic sites-can be obtained from a blood draw and offer the potential for obtaining serial genetic information and serving as biomarkers. Here, we detail the potential for melanoma CTCs to serve as biomarkers and discuss a clinically viable methodology for single-cell CTC isolation and analysis that overcomes previous limitations.

Evolutionary divergence of a Hoxa2b hindbrain enhancer in syngnathids mimics results of functional assays.

Hoxa2 genes provide critical patterning signals during development, and their regulation and function have been extensively studied. We report a previously uncharacterized significant sequence divergence of a highly conserved hindbrain hoxa2b enhancer element in the family syngnathidae (pipefishes, seahorses, pipehorses, seadragons). We compared the hox cis-regulatory element variation in the Gulf pipefish and two species of seahorse against eight other species of fish, as well as human and mouse.

Genetic analysis of multiple primary melanomas arising within the boundaries of congenital nevi depigmentosa.

Here, we present a rare case of a patient who developed multiple primary melanomas within the boundaries of two nevi depigmentosa. The melanomas were excised, and as a preventive measure, the remainder of the nevi depigmentosa were removed. We performed whole-exome sequencing on excised tissue from the nevus depigmentosus, adjacent normal skin, and saliva to explain this intriguing phenomenon.

Widespread selection and gene flow shape the genomic landscape during a radiation of monkeyflowers.

Speciation genomic studies aim to interpret patterns of genome-wide variation in light of the processes that give rise to new species. However, interpreting the genomic "landscape" of speciation is difficult, because many evolutionary processes can impact levels of variation. Facilitated by the first chromosome-level assembly for the group, we use whole-genome sequencing and simulations to shed light on the processes that have shaped the genomic landscape during a radiation of monkeyflowers.

The Caudal Skeleton of the Zebrafish, , from a Phylogenetic Perspective: A Polyural Interpretation of Homologous Structures.

The structure of the caudal skeleton of extant teleost fishes has been interpreted in two different ways. In a diural interpretation, a caudal skeleton is composed of two centra articulated with one to six hypurals. Most subsequent authors have followed this interpretation.