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Genome-wide profiling of histone modifications and transcription factor binding at single-cell resolution by DeChIC-seq.

Mapping of protein-DNA interactions at single-cell resolution remains a central challenge in epigenomics, particularly for transcription factors (TFs), whose sparse binding limits reliable detection. Here, we establish DeChIC-seq (DNA Deaminase-based Chromatin Immuno-Conversion sequencing), a conversion-based strategy that uses a protein A-DddAtox fusion to directly record protein-DNA interactions by inducing localized C-to-U conversions near antibody-bound chromatin. Retaining genome-wide background sequence information without immunoprecipitation, DeChIC-seq enables profiling of histone modifications and sensitive detection of TF binding. Integration with single-cell whole-genome amplification extends DeChIC-seq to single-cell applications (scDeChIC-seq), enabling chromatin profiling of individual cells. Applied to mouse embryogenesis, scDeChIC-seq resolves lineage-specific chromatin states through profiling of H3K4me3, CTCF, and RAD21 and sensitively detects TF binding, including that of NR5A2, TFAP2C, and KLF5, from extremely limited blastomere inputs. This underscores its strong potential for detecting TF-binding sites in scarce biological samples. DeChIC-seq establishes a conversion-based framework for chromatin profiling that enables mechanistic dissection of TF-driven gene regulation across rare cells, developmental systems, and disease contexts.

Animals↗

Single copy heterozygote integration of HPV 33 in chromosomal band 5p14 is found in an epithelial cell clone with selective growth advantage.

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) of specific high-risk type triggers a series of events in target cells, which will eventually lead to development of genital neoplasia. The integration of high-risk HPV DNA into the cell genome has been regarded as a crucial event in tumor progression. With respect to different HPV types, the knowledge of HPV integrated loci is still limited. We have now determined the genomic variation and chromosomal location of HPV 33 DNA in the cell line UT-DEC-1, established from a vaginal mild dysplasia lesion. The viral sequence of the cell line was determined, and a variant of the prototype HPV 33 strain was identified, showing nucleotide substitutions resulting in amino acid changes in the E2, L2 and E4 open reading frames. In late passage UT-DEC-1 cells, a deletion of more than half of the 3' part of E1 and major parts of the E2 and E4 genes provided evidence for integration. The flanking sequences of the integration site were completely homologous to published sequences from chromosomal band 5p14, and remained unchanged in all subclones established from late passage cells. There were no chromosomal deletions or gross rearrangements at the integration site, and only a single heterozygotic copy of HPV 33 was detected. The karyotype of late passage cells showed only minor changes compared with early passage cells. During passaging of the cell line, there were progressive changes towards a malignant phenotype, and in parallel to this, the cells carrying episomal HPV 33 of the early passages was completely superseded by cells containing the integrated virus. Thus, our results show that this single copy heterozygote integration of HPV 33 into chromosome band 5p14 appears to be associated with emergence of cells escaping senescence, and with growth advantage compared with cells carrying episomal virus.

Base Sequence↗

Molecular cloning and expression, in both COS-1 cells and S. cerevisiae, of a human cytosolic type-IVA, cyclic AMP specific phosphodiesterase (hPDE-IVA-h6.1).

Screening a human T lymphocyte cDNA library with a phosphodiesterase (PDE) specific probe resulted in the isolation of two overlapping cDNA clones, h2.2 and h6.1, that encode a type IV, rolipram inhibited cAMP-specific PDE. Clones h2.2 and h6.1 were 1015 bp and 2288 bp in length, respectively, and overlapped for 984 bp with only one nucleotide difference. The h6.1 cDNA was extended at the 5'-end by 1304 bp, with respect to h2.2, and encoded an incomplete ORF (lacking an initiation codon) of 668 amino acids. The merged nucleotide sequence of h6.1/h2.2 exhibited 99.5% homology in the ORF (ten nucleotide changes resulting in six amino acid changes), and 95% homology in the 3'-untranslated region, with the previously reported human PDE-IVA cDNA [Livi G. P., Kmetz P., Mchale M. M., Cieslinski L. B., Sathe G. M., Taylor D. P., Davis R. L., Torphy T. J. and Balcarek J. M. (1990) Mol. Cell Biol. 10, 2678-2686]. The sequence reported for h6.1/h2.2 matched that found for IVA clones isolated from three other human cDNA libraries, a human genomic cosmid clone and pcr amplified products of the exon covering these differences in two individuals. The h6.1 cDNA was engineered to generate a complete ORF by building in the 56 bp, including the initiation codon, present in hPDE-IVA-Livi and missing from the 5'-end of h6.1, producing a cognate ORF encoding a protein of 687 amino acids but differing in five amino acids which lay in or adjacent to the putative catalytic domain. The complete h6.1 ORF was engineered for expression in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and in COS-1 cells. Integration of a single copy of the engineered ORF of h6.1, under the transcriptional control of a constitutive yeast promoter, at the pep4 locus of a S. cerevisiae strain lacking both yeast PDE genes resulted in functional complementation of the yeast pde-phenotype. Yeast strains with functional PDE were a light creamy white colour, while strains devoid of PDE activity were a dull brown colour. Expression of h6.1 in COS-1 cells led to the production of a typical type IV PDE activity in that cAMP, but not cGMP, served as substrate and its activity was insensitive to either Ca2+/CaM or cGMP but was inhibited by low concentrations of rolipram.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases↗

Integration of Rous sarcoma virus DNA into chicken embryo fibroblasts: no preferred proviral acceptor site in the DNA of clones of singly infected transformed chicken cells.

We analyzed retroviral integration into a host genome by using avian sarcoma virus infection of natural target cells under conditions where secondary integration via virus spread was inhibited. This was accomplished by using the noninfectious pol- env- alpha variant of the Bryan high-titer strain of Rous sarcoma virus. A total of 12 independent Bryan high-titer Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chicken embryo fibroblast clones were obtained and mapped by using restriction endonucleases. Provirus-cell junction fragments were identified with appropriate hybridization probes. We found that expression of the viral genes could occur after proviral integration at many sites on the chicken genome and that there was no apparent preference for specific integration sites.

Animals↗

Simultaneous in situ profiling of DNA lesion endpoints based on image cytometry and a single cell database approach.

Analyzing the integrity of DNA is one of the most frequent used endpoints for risk assessment of chemical and physical agents. In the framework of a radiobiological space experiment, this work aimed at having (1) a histochemical tool for the in situ assessment of DNA damage in as long as 20 days old fixed cell cultures, (2) a comprehensive tool for the quantification of different types of DNA lesions, and (3) a methodology of sampling thousands of nuclei based on confocal microscopy, automated stage scanning and digital image processing. For this purpose several fixatives and permeabilization techniques were tested together with the combinatorial use of terminal dUTP transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and the DNA polymerase I mediated in situ nick translation. These biochemical tools are useful for scoring DNA single and double breaks, and oxidative lesions. Ltk(-) cells were exposed either to hydrogen peroxide or heavy ion beam irradiation. Combination of paraformaldehyde fixation, sodium citrate permeabilization and heat gave the best staining results. A three-channel fluorescence methodology was established including a DNA counter stain for nucleus identification and normalization of DNA content. Communication between confocal imaging software, image analysis software and a relational database proved to be pivotal for a semi-automated high-end single cell analysis and storage of images. In this way, DNA damage data per nucleus can be traced back to the original image. As much as 2500 cells could be analyzed in situ within a day and correlations drawn between different DNA lesion endpoints.

Animals↗

Inferring metabolic objectives and trade-offs in single cells during embryogenesis.

While proliferating cells optimize their metabolism to produce biomass, the metabolic objectives of cells that perform non-proliferative tasks are unclear. The opposing requirements for optimizing each objective result in a trade-off that forces single cells to prioritize their metabolic needs and optimally allocate limited resources. Here, we present single-cell optimization objective and trade-off inference (SCOOTI), which infers metabolic objectives and trade-offs in biological systems by integrating bulk and single-cell omics data, using metabolic modeling and machine learning. We validated SCOOTI by identifying essential genes from CRISPR-Cas9 screens in embryonic stem cells, and by inferring the metabolic objectives of quiescent cells, during different cell-cycle phases. Applying this to embryonic cell states, we observed a decrease in metabolic entropy upon development. We further uncovered a trade-off between glutathione and biosynthetic precursors in one-cell zygote, two-cell embryo, and blastocyst cells, potentially representing a trade-off between pluripotency and proliferation. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.

Single-Cell Analysis↗

Allogeneic hepatocyte transplantation in the rat spleen under cyclosporine immunosuppression.

An innovative approach for stimulating the rapid growth of allogeneic hepatocytes implanted into splenic tissue with maintenance of the structural integrity is described. Single cell suspensions of hepatocytes from normal male ACI-strain rats (RTIa) were injected (2 X 10(6) cells) into the spleen of allogeneic male Fischer (RTI1) recipient rats. A 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed at the same time as hepatocyte transplantation. Animals were treated for 4 days prior to, and 1 day after, transplantation with a feeding regimen containing 0.05% 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) to inhibit regeneration of the residual host liver. Animals received cyclosporine (CsA) 3 mg/kg/day s.c. posttransplantation. Histological examination of a standard longitudinal section of the recipient spleen two days posttransplant revealed an approximately 0.54-mm2 area replaced by hepatocytes. By 7 days this had increased to 0.97 +/- .15 mm2. Without CsA administration, hepatocytes were undetected at 7 days. Both PH and AAF treatment were necessary for successful colonization and sustained proliferation. Withdrawal of CsA treatment at 10 days after transplantation resulted in rapid rejection of established hepatocytes. This study demonstrates that rapid colonization of the rat spleen with allogeneic hepatocytes can be achieved, and that the viability and structural integrity of these transplanted cells can be maintained for at least 14 days using cyclosporine immunosuppression.

2-Acetylaminofluorene↗

Integrated Multi-Omics Analyses Reveal Lipid Metabolic Signature in Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease and the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Single-omics analyses are far from elucidating the complex mechanisms of lipid metabolic dysfunction in OA. This study identified a shared lipid metabolic signature of OA by integrating metabolomics, single-cell and bulk RNA-seq, as well as metagenomics. Compared to the normal counterparts, cartilagesin OA patients exhibited significant depletion of homeostatic chondrocytes (HomCs) (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.03) and showed lipid metabolic disorders in linoleic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism which was consistent with our findings obtained from plasma metabolomics. Through high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), weidentified PLA2G2A as a hub gene associated with lipid metabolic disorders in HomCs. And an OA-associated subtype of HomCs, namely HomC1 (marked by PLA2G2A, MT-CO1, MT-CO2, and MT-CO3) was identified, which also exhibited abnormal activation of lipid metabolic pathways. This suggests the involvement of HomC1 in OA progression through the shared lipid metabolism aberrancies, which were further validated via bulk RNA-Seq analysis. Metagenomic profiling identified specific gut microbial species significantly associated with the key lipid metabolism disorders, including Bacteroides uniformis (P&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.001, R&#xa0;=&#xa0;-0.52), Klebsiella pneumonia (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.003, R&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.42), Intestinibacter_bartlettii (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.009, R&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.38), and Streptococcus anginosus (P&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.009, R&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.38). By integrating the multi-omics features, a random forest diagnostic model with outstanding performance was developed (AUC&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.97). In summary, this study deciphered the crucial role of a integrated lipid metabolic signature in OA pathogenesis, and established a regulatory axis of gut microbiota-metabolites-cell-gene, providing new insights into the gut-joint axis and precision therapy for OA.

Humans↗

The bromodeoxyuridine comet assay: detection of maturation of recently replicated DNA in individual cells.

The single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet) assay is a relatively simple method of measuring DNA single strand breaks and alkali-labile sites in individual cells. We have combined this with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) labeling of DNA and immunolocalization of the BrdUrd to assess DNA replicative integrity on a single-cell basis. We show that the existence of strand discontinuities in recently replicated domains of DNA, caused during semiconservative replication or exacerbated by the arrest of replicative polymerases at UV irradiation- or chemical-induced lesions, can be detected in individual cells. Data obtained from BrdUrd-Comets are consistent with biochemical data derived with a range of techniques showing that DNA replication involves the creation of strand breaks or gaps adjacent to recently replicated material, and that DNA damage prolongs the duration of such discontinuities where DNA polymerases are stalled opposite lesions (R. T. Johnson et al, The Legacy of Cell Fusion, pp. 50-67, Oxford: Science Publications, 1994; R. B. Painter, J. Mol. Biol., 143: 289-301, 1980.). Compared with standard biochemical techniques, the BrdUrd-Comet assay is simple and suitable for the accurate and automatable assessment of replicative integrity in very small numbers of mammalian cells, such as may be obtained by biopsy.

Animals↗

Functional protein nanoarrays for biomarker profiling.

The use of microarrays for parallel screening of nucleic acid profiles has become an industry standard. Similar efforts for screening protein-protein interactions are gaining momentum, however, they remain limited by the requirement for relatively large sample volumes. One strategy for overcoming this problem is to significantly decrease the size and consequently the sample volume of the protein interaction assay. We report here on our progress over the last two years in the construction of ultraminiaturized, functional protein capture assays. Each one micron spot in these array-based assays covers less than 1/1000(th) of the surface area of a conventional microarray spot while still maintaining enough antibodies to provide a useful dynamic range. These nanoarray assays can be read by conventional optical fluorescence microscopy as well as by novel label-free methods such as atomic force microscopy. The size reduction realized by functional protein nanoarrays also creates opportunities for novel applications including highly multiplexed single cell analysis and integration with microfluidics and other "lab-on-a-chip" technologies.

Biomarkers↗

A putative approach for cloning 'silent' genes using retroviral vectors.

An alternative approach is described for cloning 'silent' or poorly expressed genes that might be activated as a result of proviral DNA integration. Generally, proviral DNA integrates randomly, in a single copy per cell, although some preferred integration sites exist. Thus, each cell infected by a retroviral vector should represent a different clone. These clones would have different phenotypes depending on the site of proviral DNA integration. Those expressing a desired phenotype would be screened for by using an assay system that depends on the gene of interest. The 5' and 3' flanking cellular DNA sequences, responsible for the observed phenotype in such mutants, could be cloned. Screening of these clones should be relatively simple due to the presence of a selectable marker in the proviral DNA. These sequences would then be used to isolate the wild type (wt) copy of the insertionally activated gene. Packaging retroviral vectors could lead to insertional activation of cellular genes and packaging of insertionally activated RNAs into vector particles. RNA extracted from the particles released into the culture medium would greatly facilitate cDNA cloning of 'silent' genes activated as a result of proviral DNA integration.

Animals↗

PRDX1 facilitates USP7-dependent stabilization of SCD1 and promotes bladder cancer progression.

Bladder cancer is characterized by redox adaptation and metabolic plasticity, but the mechanisms linking these processes remain incompletely understood. Integrating bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomic analyses, we identified PRDX1 as a malignant epithelial cell-associated factor linked to adverse outcome. Genetic gain- and loss-of-function studies showed that PRDX1 promoted proliferation, motility, and xenograft growth while limiting reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial apoptosis. Proteomic and biochemical analyses identified an association between PRDX1 and SCD1. PRDX1 prolonged the SCD1 protein half-life without detectably altering SCD1 transcript abundance and increased USP7-SCD1 co-precipitation. USP7 removed K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from SCD1 and prevented its proteasomal degradation, whereas catalytically inactive USP7 failed to deubiquitinate SCD1. Deletion of PRDX1 residues 157-199 weakened its association with SCD1 and reduced USP7-SCD1 co-precipitation. Depletion of SCD1 or USP7 suppressed PRDX1-dependent growth in vitro and in xenografts. These findings support a model in which PRDX1 facilitates USP7-dependent stabilization of SCD1 and promotes bladder cancer progression.

Bladder cancer↗

Learning to tell Neoproterozoic time.

In 1989, the International Commission on Stratigraphy established a Working Group on the Terminal Proterozoic Period. Nine years of intensive, multidisciplinary research by scientists from some two dozen countries have markedly improved the framework for the correlation and calibration of latest Proterozoic events. Three principal phenomena--the Marinoan ice age, Ediacaran animal diversification, and the beginning of the Cambrian Period--specify the limits and character of this interval, but chemostratigraphy and biostratigraphy based on single-celled microfossils (acritarchs), integrated with high-resolution radiometric dates, provide the temporal framework necessary to order and evaluate terminal Proterozoic tectonic, biogeochemical, climatic, and biological events. These data also provide a rational basis for choosing the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) that will define the beginning of this period. A comparable level of stratigraphic resolution may be achievable for the preceding Cryogenian Period, providing an opportunity to define this interval, as well, in chronostratigraphic terms--perhaps bounded at beginning and end by the onset of Sturtian glaciation and the decay of Marinoan ice sheets, respectively. Limited paleontological, isotopic, and radiometric data additionally suggest a real but more distant prospect of lower Neoproterozoic correlation and stratigraphic subdivision.

Animals↗

A genetic system to detect mitotic recombination between repeated chromosomal sequences in Drosophila Schneider line 2 cells.

In order to study mitotic homologous recombination in somatic Drosophila melanogaster cells in vitro and to learn more on the question how recombination is influenced by mutagens, a genetic system was developed where spontaneous and drug-induced recombination could be monitored. Two recombination reporter substrates were stably introduced in multiple copies into the genome of established D. melanogaster Schneider line 2 cells: one plasmid (pSB310) contained the 5' and 3' deleted neomycin phosphoribosyltransferase alleles neoL and neoR as direct repeats; the other (pSB485) contained similar deletions (lacZL and lacZR) of the beta-galactosidase gene (lacZ). Restoration of a functional neo gene upon mitotic recombination between homologous sequences allowed direct selection for the event, whereas recombination in single cells harbouring the integrated lacZ-based reporter plasmid was detected by histochemical staining or flow cytometric analysis (FACS). The neo-based construct in the clonal transgenic cell line 44CD4 showed a spontaneous recombination frequency of 2.9 x 10(-4), whereas the 485AD1 cell line harbouring the lacZ-based construct exhibited a frequency of 2.8 x 10(-4). The alkylating agents EMS and MMS and the clastogen mitomycin C were able to induce recombination in the 485AD1 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. The results obtained from these studies suggest that the transgenic cell lines are potentially useful tools for identifying agents which stimulate direct repeat recombination in somatic Drosophila cells.

Animals↗

De novo chromatin remodelling variants in sporadic Chiari 1 malformation.

Chiari 1 malformation (CM1) is the most common congenital malformation of the human hindbrain. Although prior studies have implicated chromatin-remodeling genes in CM1, the de novo genetic architecture and underlying neurodevelopmental mechanisms remain incompletely defined. To investigate the molecular genetics of a novel familial form of CM1 linked with syringomyelia and tethered cord and determine whether rare, damaging de novo variants (DNVs) contribute to sporadic CM1 risk with gene- and pathway-level resolution, we performed whole-exome sequencing in an ultra-rare multigenerational family with CM1 and associated spinal pathology, and in the largest assembled trio-based cohort to date, comprising 1,585 proband-parent trios with sporadic, idiopathic CM1 (2017-2025). The comparison cohort included 1,798 unaffected control siblings. Clinical phenotyping was by systematic medical record review. Structural domain mapping, in silico modeling, and integration with single-cell transcriptomic data from developing human cerebellum was conducted to assess biological plausibility. A heterozygous loss-of-function variant in CHD3 segregated with CM1 and syringomyelia in a multigenerational family. In the trio-based cohort, rare protein-altering DNVs were significantly enriched across multiple chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) genes, including CHD1, CHD3, CHD4, and CHD8, exceeding gene-specific mutation expectations (protein-damaging variants: P = 1.3 &#xd7; 10-9; predicted loss-of-function variants: P = 8.6 &#xd7; 10-5). CHD1 contained two pathogenic DNVs (p.A999D and p.E984K). CHD4 (p.D744N, p.T1813P, and p.I1102T) and CHD8 (p.R1402X, p.R1472X, and p.R2035X) each contained three new DNVs. Variants clustered within conserved ATPase, helicase, and chromodomain regions essential for chromatin remodeling, and these patients frequently had comorbid developmental delay and related neurodevelopmental features. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses demonstrated enrichment in Purkinje cells and inhibitory neurons of midgestational cerebellum, where CHD gene products form a coherent chromatin-regulatory network. Rare, large-effect DNVs that disrupt chromatin-remodeling programs contribute to sporadic CM1, implicating genetically encoded dysregulation of cerebellar development as a central disease mechanism. Exome sequencing may complement surgical evaluation of children with sporadic CM1, particularly when accompanied by neurodevelopmental concerns, informing prognosis and family counseling.

de novo variants↗

Quantitation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in breast milk.

The distribution and stability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in breast milk (BM) components remain largely unknown. Inhibitory effects, if any, of BM on HIV RNA and DNA PCR amplification are poorly understood. We have addressed these issues by using virus-spiked BM samples from HIV-negative women. BM samples from HIV-negative women were spiked with HIV-1 virions or cells containing a single integrated copy of HIV DNA (8E5/LAV). After incubation under different experimental conditions, viral RNA was detected by the Roche Amplicor UltraSensitive assay in whole-milk, skim milk, and lipid fractions. We found excellent correlation between HIV-1 input copy and recovery in whole milk (r = 0.965, P < 0.0001), skim milk (r = 0.972, P < 0.0001), and the lipid fraction (r = 0.905, P < 0.001). PCR inhibition was observed in less than 10% of the spiked samples. Similar levels of inhibition were noted in BM samples collected from HIV-infected women. HIV proviral DNA was detected in BM samples using real-time PCR (linear correlation between the threshold cycle versus log DNA copy number, >0.982). The effects of incubation duration and temperature and repeated freeze-thaw cycles on HIV RNA recovery were analyzed. HIV RNA levels were remarkably stable in whole milk after three freeze-thaw cycles and for up to 30 h at room temperature. Our findings improve the understanding of the dynamics of HIV detection in BM and the conditions for BM sample collection, storage, and processing.

DNA, Viral↗

Rapid chemical dehydration of samples for electron microscopic examinations.

Acidified 2,2-dimethoxypropane was used to chemically dehydrate biologic tissues for examination in the electron microscope. The ultrastructural integrities of single-celled algae, plant tissues (cotyledon, root, leaf) and animal tissues (liver, pancreas, muscle, cartilage) were maintained. Our technique was simpler and quicker than physically exchanging water for organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) as generally performed in microscopy.

Animals↗

Multiple cell interactions are required for fate specification during male spicule development in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The B blast cell divides postembryonically in C. elegans males to produce 47 progeny that include all of the cells of the copulatory spicules. During the early development of the B lineage, the anterior daughter of B, B.a, generates eight cells. These cells migrate to form four pairs of cells that flank the developing cloaca (ventral, dorsal, and two identical lateral pairs). For each pair, the more anterior cell produces a distinct lineage ('anterior fate') from the posterior cell ('posterior fate'). For the ventral and dorsal pairs, either cell can migrate to the anterior position and produce the anterior lineage, and the other cell migrates posterior and produces the posterior lineage (Sulston and Horvitz, 1977, Dev. Biol. 56, 110-156). The migration is variable, although the resultant fate pattern is invariant. In the two lateral pairs, both the migration and fate pattern are invariant. Using a laser microbeam to selectively ablate neighboring cells we have found that the cells of the lateral pair also respond to positional cues. For all four pairs other male-specific blast cells provide extracellular cues. In general, F and U promote anterior fates, Y promotes some posterior fates, and the B.a progeny promote posterior fates. Several of these cues are redundant. By ablating combinations of cells we have deduced how these signals may act in concert to specify the fates of the B.a progeny. We propose that fate specification in these pairs depends on three general classes of extracellular cues: positional cues, modulators of positional cues, and lateral signals. The B lineage thus provides an opportunity to study with single cell resolution the integration of multiple intercellular signals.

Animals↗