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Summary: 31
A Method for Generating Transgenic Frog Embryos
Shoko Ishibashi, Kristen L. Kroll, and Enrique Amaya
1. Introduction
1.1. Summary
The amphibian embryo has classically been one of the best systems for
elucidating the molecular mechanisms of early development, in particular for
studies of mesodermal and neural induction. Amphibian embryos develop
externally and are large and robust. Therefore, tissues can be dissected, isolated,
or transplanted with high precision and ease in these embryos. In addition, it
is relatively easy to manipulate the expression of gene products by injecting
in-vitro transcribed RNAs into developing embryos. However, since RNAs are
translated soon after injection, this method has been used mainly for studying
early stages of development. Manipulating genes specifically during later stages
of development requires fine control over the time and place of expression,
which can be achieved only through transgenic technology. In this chapter, we
describe a very efficient method of transgenesis developed for Xenopus laevis
and Xenopus tropicalis.
1.2. Background
Understanding the molecular basis of pattern formation and differentiation in
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