Development of Ciona intestinalis juveniles (Through 2nd ascidian stage)

Abstract

Following the reading of its draft genome sequence and the collection of a large quantity of cDNA information, Ciona intestinalis is now becoming a model organism for whole-genome analyses of the expression and function of developmentally relevant genes. Although most studies have focused on larval structures, the development of the adult form is also very interesting in relation to tissues and organs of vertebrate body. Here we conducted detailed observations of the development of tissues and organs in Ciona intestinalis larva and juveniles until so-called the 2nd ascidian stage. These observations included examination of the oral siphon, tentacle, oral pigments and atrial pigments, atrial siphon, ganglion and neural gland, longitudinal muscle, stigmata, transverse bar and languet, longitudinal bar and papilla, heart, digestive organ, gonad, endostyle, and stalk and villi. The findings from these observations make a new staging system for juvenile development possible. Based on the development of the internal organs, we propose here nine stages (stage 0 similar to stage 8) starting with swimming larvae and proceeding through juveniles until the 2nd ascidian stage. These descriptions and staging system provide a basis for studying cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of adult organs and tissues of this basal chordate.