Second batch of oral reports (For Dec. 26-29, 2021)

BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

by Jericho Aquino -
Number of replies: 4

Good day everyone! We are Jericho Aquino and Godis Withus Vargas from the LEC 3 section. Attached below is a Google Drive link to our group's report on "Blastula stage specification of avian neural crest"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jvGo2RtvPtCY_HqMaq-nNg9feHFqfwbj/view?usp=sharing

In reply to Jericho Aquino

Re: BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

by Lydia LEONARDO -
Thank you for a very intriguing report on neural crest cells. My questions are:
1. Can you further elaborate on the medial and intermediate epiblast that you mentioned in your report. To what germ layers do they give rise to?
2. Does this study support the theory that the neural crest cells could be a fourth germ layer?
3. Do you think this will be the same situation in amphibian development?
Thank you.
In reply to Lydia LEONARDO

Re: BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

by Godis Withus Vargas -
Greetings of peace, Prof. Leonardo.

Thank you for your questions. Here are our responses:

Question 1
The medial and intermediate epiblasts refer to the regions of the horizontal strip cut from the center of the epiblast which are sections the researchers conducted their study to determine their specification. This horizontal strip of epiblast tissue was dissected into three sections: two intermediate regions, and one medial region. One of the findings of this paper by Prasad et al. (2020) provides evidence that the medial region of the horizontal strip of avian epiblast leads to neural specification, while the intermediate region leads to a neural crest cell fate.

Question 2
Yes. In this model proposed by the authors, we can say that the neural crest cells as a fourth germ layer. As stated in the study itself, they proposed that the neural crest cells are a “segregated populations of cells with cell fates distinct from others”.

Question 3
No. Since the epiblast is only formed through ingression of cells prior to gastrulation and is only observed in birds, reptiles and mammals. In amphibians, there is no epiblast formed, and the three germ layers are derived from involution of cells that forms into a blastopore.

Thank you.
In reply to Jericho Aquino

Re: BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

by Ram Julius Marababol -

Hi Jericho and Godis!

I am Ram from LEC3 Spermatogenesis group.

Thank you for that interesting presentation. To further your discussion, our group (Marababol, Tan, Tayag) would like to inquire: Although beyond the scope of the study, do you think other model organisms would also use a similar mechanism for specification? 


Thank you very much and please stay safe.

In reply to Ram Julius Marababol

Re: BIO 133 LEC3 (W 10 AM-1 PM) - Blastula

by Godis Withus Vargas -
Greetings of peace!

It depends on which model organism will be used. Gastrulation is different for different groups of animals, so the model used in the study would only be applicable if they also undergo epiblast formation. This event is only observed in birds, reptiles, and mammals. Therefore, the option for model organisms is only limited to organisms that follow the avian pattern of gastrulation.

We hope this answers your question. Stay safe.