The T-box genes Tbx4 and Tbx5 have been shown to have key functions in the specification
of the identity of the vertebrate forelimb (Tbx5) and hindlimb (Tbx4) 1 , 2 . Here we show that …

10.7554/eLife.44753.001 A common CNS architecture is observed in all chordates, from
vertebrates to basal chordates like the ascidian Ciona. Ciona stands apart among chordates in …

Molecular developmental studies of fly and mouse embryos have shown that the identity of
individual body segments is controlled by a suite of homeobox-containing genes called the …

Larvae of the tunicate Ciona intestinalis possess a central nervous system of 177 neurons.
This simplicity has facilitated the generation of a complete synaptic connectome. As …

The swimming tadpole larva of Ciona has one of the simplest central nervous systems (CNSs)
known, with only 177 neurons. Despite its simplicity, the Ciona CNS has a common …

10.7554/eLife.05361.001 The Ciona notochord displays planar cell polarity (PCP), with
anterior localization of Prickle (Pk) and Strabismus (Stbm). We report that a myosin is polarized …

Background Left-right asymmetries are a common feature of metazoans and can be found
in a number of organs including the nervous system. These asymmetries are particularly …

Ciona larvae display a number of behaviors, including negative phototaxis. In negative
phototaxis, the larvae first perform short spontaneous rhythmic casting swims. As larvae are cast …

The clustered Hox genes show a conserved role in patterning the body axis of bilaterian
metazoans. Increasingly, a broader phylogenetic sampling of non‐model system organisms is …

The segmented leeches are members of the phylum Annelida within the Lophotrochozoa.
Here, we describe the isolation of a new Hox gene, Lox18, in the leech Helobdella triserialis. …