Temporal dynamics in a red alga dominated geothermal feature in Yellowstone National Park.

Alga-dominated geothermal spring communities in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, have been the focus of many studies, however, relatively little is known about the composition and community interactions which underpin these ecosystems. Our goal was to determine, in three neighboring yet distinct environments in Lemonade Creek, YNP, how cells cope with abiotic stressors over the diurnal cycle. All three environments are colonized by two photosynthetic lineages, and , both of which are extremophilic Cyanidiophyceae red algae.

FGF signaling is required for chemokinesis and ventral migration of trunk neural crest cells.

Background: Neural crest cells (NCCs) delaminate from the neural tube (NT) and migrate ventrally to generate the trunk peripheral nervous system (PNS). Although several signaling pathways have been identified that steer NCCs once they are on their ventral trajectory, no molecules have been identified that are required for the initial migration between the NT and the dorsal root ganglion. Given the critical role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in embryogenesis, we investigated its function in this initial migration.

PACAP promotes sensory neuron differentiation: blockade by neurotrophic factors.

Developing neurons encounter a panoply of extracellular signals as they differentiate. A major goal is to identify these extrinsic cues and define the mechanisms by which neurons simultaneously integrate stimulation by multiple factors yet initiate one specific biological response. Factors that are known to exert potent activities in the developing nervous system include the NGF family of neurotrophic factors, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP).