Gene number in an invertebrate chordate, Ciona intestinalis.

Genomic studies using the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis

Using a custom Ciona intestinalis genome browser to visualize genomic conservation with Ciona savignyi

We have successfully designed a custom genome browser for visualization of the genome of the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis. We describe the use of the genome browser to visualize the conservation between Ciona intestinalis and a related species, Ciona savignyi. Visualizing genomic conservation between these two organisms is important for determining genes and regulatory regions that ...

Uncoupling heart cell specification and migration in the simple chordate Ciona intestinalis.

The bHLH transcription factor Mesp has an essential but ambiguous role in early chordate heart development. Here, we employ the genetic and morphological simplicity of the basal chordate Ciona intestinalis to elucidate Mesp regulation and function. Characterization of a minimal cardiac enhancer for the Ciona Mesp gene demonstrated direct activation by the T-box transcription factor Tbx6c. The M...

Visualization of the invertebrate chordate Ciona intestinalis genome using a custom genome browser

With the sequencing of hundreds of genomes and the advent of high-throughput technologies able to produce high volumes of genomic information at increasingly faster rates and cheaper costs, there is a vital need for proper visualization tools for analyzing large amounts of genomic data. In this report, we implement a genome visualization tool for the model organism Ciona intestinalis. The tool ...

Cryptic speciation in a model invertebrate chordate.

We applied independent species concepts to clarify the phylogeographic structure of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, a powerful model system in chordate biology and for comparative genomic studies. Intensive research with this marine invertebrate is based on the assumption that natural populations globally belong to a single species. Therefore, understanding the true taxonomic classification ma...