Congratulations Tetsuya Nakamura! 2020 SDB Innovation Grant Recipient
Project:
Establishment of a Four-Dimensional Single-Cell-Resolution Developmental Atlas (4D-SCREDA) to Decode Embryonic Development and Vertebrate Evolution
Abstract:
Decoding the complete cellular trajectories of embryonic development is an ultimate goal in biology. Complete identification of cellular migration, interaction, and differentiation at the single-cell resolution can provide deeper understanding of organismal development, evolution, and etiology. However, despite the intense efforts to combine state-of-the-art techniques to analyze heterogeneity of organ precursors, a simultaneous recording of cellular migration, trajectories, and differentiation at the single-cell level in the native context of vertebrate development remains challenging. To tackle this challenge in embryology, we will build a four-dimensional single-cell-resolution developmental atlas (4D-SCREDA) of zebrafish to define developmental trajectories and specification mechanisms of individual cells during embryonic development with unprecedented resolution in a living vertebrate. As a proof-of-concept, we will apply 4D-SCREDA to early fin development, which is uniquely amenable to this strategy. The pectoral fin develops via dynamic cell migrations and differentiation. Its structure is remarkably simple, with only 500 cells, yet it consists of fundamental and conserved cell types, such as bones, blood vessels, muscles, neurons, and connective tissues. We will apply 4D-SCREDA to investigate the specification mechanisms of all cell types in appendage development and evolution that requires extensive transformation of cell fates.
The Society for Developmental Biology Innovation Grant was established in 2016 to provide seed funds for those seeking to develop innovative tools and methods with the potential to have a broad impact on the developmental biology community. This work can include devices, software, novel methods, or new reagents, but is not intended to support training or the application of existing technologies. Projects that would not necessarily be supported through other means are given preference. Graduate student, postdoctoral fellow and full SDB members are all eligible. Deadlines are December 1 and July 1. (Please note, if two grants are awarded from the December 1 deadline, then we will not be taking applications for July 1. Therefore, we strongly advise you to submit your application by the December 1 deadline). In years in which the deadline falls on a weekend, applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM (ET) of the following Monday.
See the full announcement here.
