The first part of the report related the issues of pectoral motoneurons organization in teleost fish. The fact is that it is closely related to the matter of Hoxb4a mosaicism among ZF HB circuits. Dr. Leung-Hang Ma emphasized that genetic biologists are extremely anxious about the issues of neuron development in zebrafish. Although all the possible researches have been already held, the problem of calcium imaging stays of great importance.
Dr. Ma especially highlighted the importance of retrograde labeling in the process of hindbrain development. Retrograde labeling is especially significant for zebrafish females, as it influences further hindbrain development.
The development of the hindbrain/ spinal cord boundary was shown in the different stages of development. Photos clearly showed the importance of hox genes in the process of hindbrain development and revealed the necessity of calcium in the environment and nutrition of zebrafish. Consequently, the issues of calcium imaging appear to be relevant as never before, as this imaging helps to observe and research the process of hindbrain development.
To study the development process in detail, scientists have studied the Hox code for Pectoral and forelimb. Dr. Ma gave the data which was received in earlier researches, and that form the basis for further researches.
It has been offered that during the Blastula Period of zebrafish development, Ca2+ signals could play a role in increasing cell-to-cell adhesion in the enveloping layer (EVL)1 or may contribute to sampling the dorsal-ventral axis2. In this study, Dr. Ma has expanded the investigation of Blastula Period Ca2+ signals using the luminescent Ca2+ reporter, aequorin.
Special emphasis in the report was made on Hoxb4a activity in identified HB subgroups. As Dr. Ma reported, general mosaicism applies to neuronal subgroups, and thus it becomes essential for the research of Hoxb4a activity, and, consequently, for the research of hindbrain development processes. Reticular neurons that participate in this process may also be displayed with Ca2 signals.
The research of Clonal analysis by single-cell injection is one of the most significant component of the allover study, as it helps to define whether cells are autonomous, and to define the mechanism of decreasing activity in a given circuit.
Another essential point that was touched upon is the neurons projecting to the MB and through r4. This part of the study reveals the dynamics of neuronal development.
The scientific value of this report is in the further application in medicine, zoology and pharmacy. The fact is that hindbrain is responsible for controlling the most essential body functions. A full-fledged life is impossible without these functions. Consequently, this research may be used to elaborate medical means for overcoming spinal troubles. The pharmaceutical use that may be derived from this research is of high importance in genetics and stem-cell therapy. The study of a hindbrain development process of a zebrafish may be applied for the study of hindbrain development process of a human. The hindbrain is formed out of stem-cells, and the process of its formations is almost similar.