DYNAMICS OF LINEAGE RESTRICTION FORMATION IN THE VERTEBRATE MIDBRAIN-HINDBRAIN BOUNDARY

Abstract

Proper formation of lineage restrictions is important in developing animals to ensure healthy development. While mechanisms that form these restrictions are understood in invertebrates, it is not yet known what contributes to lineage restriction in vertebrates. We have used Ultrashort Pulse Microscopy to obtain 3-dimensional multimodal images of the developing midbrain-hindbrain boundary, a known lineage restriction in the zebrafish. By using this form of imaging, we have visualized both morphological and genetic parameters in this area and have used these to make quantitative and qualitative models of MHB morphogenesis and lineage restriction formation. These models allow us to have a better understanding of what exactly is responsible for the formation of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary and its lineage restriction in zebrafish with implications for all vertebrates, including humans.