Publications by authors named "C Labonne"
The neural crest is a vertebrate-specific stem cell population that helped drive the origin and evolution of vertebrates. A distinguishing feature of these cells is their multi-germ layer potential, which has parallels to another stem cell population-pluripotent stem cells of the vertebrate blastula. Here, we investigate the evolutionary origins of neural crest potential by comparing neural crest and pluripotency gene regulatory networks of a jawed vertebrate, Xenopus, and a jawless vertebrate, lamprey.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSoxB1 transcription factors (Sox2/3) are well known for their role in early neural fate specification in the embryo, but little is known about functional roles for SoxB1 factors in non-neural ectodermal cell types, such as the neural plate border (NPB). Using Xenopus laevis, we set out to determine whether SoxB1 transcription factors have a regulatory function in NPB formation. Here, we show that SoxB1 factors are necessary for NPB formation, and that prolonged SoxB1 factor activity blocks the transition from a NPB to a neural crest state.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Neural crest cells are unique stem cells in vertebrate embryos that can develop into various cell types during neurulation.
- The study focuses on how BET family proteins, which "read" acetylation marks on DNA, impact the pluripotency and differentiation of these cells at different developmental stages.
- Inhibition of BET activity results in a loss of pluripotency and neural crest potential, while also revealing that BET and HDAC (which removes acetylation marks) influence cell behavior in different but significant ways.
Article Synopsis
- Developmental biology isn't as popular or well-funded as it used to be, and other science fields are getting more attention instead.
- A group of scientists from different parts of developmental biology met to discuss problems that are slowing down new discoveries and to suggest ways to fix them.
- They want to "rebrand" the field, get more funding, encourage teamwork between different science areas, improve how science is taught, communicate better, and make sure everyone has equal opportunities and resources.