The mechanisms that regulate the generation of specialized cells from early embryonic precursor populations is a central issue in developmental biology. For development to succeed, specialized cell types must be generated at the right times, in correct numbers and in appropriate embryonic locations. We study the developmental regulation of cell diversification using the neural crest of zebrafish and avian embryos. The neural crest is a seemingly homogeneous embryonic cell population that gives rise to diverse specialized cell types including peripheral neurons, glial cells and pigment cells. We are interested in learning when and how these cell fates are specified, the identity of specified precursor cells, and how their survival, proliferation and overt differentiation is regulated during development. To do so, we utilize a variety of cellular, molecular and genetic techniques to study neural crest development in wild-type and mutant zebrafish and in neural crest cell cultures derived from avian embryos. We ultimately hope to elucidate the molecular pathways that control neural crest diversification.

Recent Publications:

1. Henion PD, Blyss GK, Luo R, An M, Maynard TM, Cole GJ, Weston JA.
   Avian transitin expression mirrors glial cell fate restrictions during neural crest development.
   Dev Dyn. 2000 May;218(1):150-9.
   
2. Rubinstein AL, Lee D, Luo R, Henion PD, Halpern ME.
   Genes dependent on zebrafish cyclops function identified by AFLP differential gene expression screen. Genesis. 2000 Jan;26(1):86-97.
   
3. Beattie CE, Raible DW, Henion PD, Eisen JS.
   Early pressure screens. Methods Cell Biol. 1999;60:71-86. (Review).
   
4. Henion PD, Weston JA.
   Timing and pattern of cell fate restrictions in the neural crest lineage. Development. 1997 Nov;124(21):4351-9.