The programmed cell death (PCD) of developing cells is considered an essential adaptive
process that evolved to serve diverse roles. We review the putative adaptive functions of …

The neural tube is an important model system of morphogenesis representing the
developmental module of out-of-plane epithelial deformation. As the embryonic precursor of …

Left-right asymmetries in brains are usually minor or cryptic. We report brain asymmetries in
the tiny, dorsal tubular nervous system of the ascidian tadpole larva, Ciona intestinalis …

INTRODUCTION Within each animal species, embryonic development is highly
reproducible, ensuring the faithful production of a complex organism with precisely arranged …

The tripartite organization of the central nervous system (CNS) may be an ancient character
of the bilaterians. However, the elaboration of the more complex vertebrate brain depends …

The vertebrate peripheral nervous system (PNS) originates from neural crest and placodes.
While its developmental origin is the object of intense studies, little is known concerning its …

Tunicates are the sister group to the vertebrates, yet most species have a life cycle split
between swimming larva and sedentary adult phases. During metamorphosis, larval …

Developmental biology aims to understand how the dynamics of embryonic shapes and
organ functions are encoded in linear DNA molecules. Thanks to recent progress in …

In ascidian tunicates, the metamorphic transition from larva to adult is accompanied by
dynamic changes in the body plan. For instance, the central nervous system (CNS) is …

Ion fluxes through membrane ion channels play crucial roles both in neuronal signaling and
the homeostatic control of body electrolytes. Despite our knowledge about the respective ion …