Transition of stem cells from the larval to adult type during amphibian metamorphosis

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K18580
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Morphology/Structure
• Research Institution: Kitasato University
• Principal Investigator: TAMURA Kei 北里大学, 理学部, 講師 (50458767)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 変態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

During the metamorphosis of anuran amphibians, tissue remodeling occurs in a dynamic and orderly manner through developmental programs. In this process, the larval type of cells is removed by cell death, whereas the adult type of cells proliferates, and differentiates to build adult tissues. In this study, although the origin of adult cells could not be clarified, we were able to set the foundation for cell lineage tracing technology in Xenopus. On the other hand, we suggested the molecular mechanisms for fin degeneration during metamorphosis.

Free Research Field

発生生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

発生過程における細胞の系譜について、これまで初期発生を中心に解析が行われてきた。後期発生で起こる両生類の変態は、一度構築した幼生型器官から成体型へと形態・機能的な変化を遂げる。本研究によりツメガエルにおいて細胞系譜を追跡、および細胞死誘導機構を明らかにすることによって、後期発生における器官形成機構を理解することが期待できる。