Phenotypes on Xenbase

The latest release of Xenbase includes the ability to search for Phenotypes.

Click here to go to the Phenotype search page.

Click here to find details on executing a Phenotype search.

Click here to find details on the Xenopus Phenotype Ontology (XPO).

Xenbase Winter Newsletter 2020

Please follow this link to the Xenbase Winter Newsletter 2020.

Read the PDF for more details.

The newsletter archive can be found here.

Xenbase v5.0

Release v5.0 of Xenbase is now available.

Among the latest improvements are:

- Phenotypes
- X. tropicalis genome v10.0 integration
- Redesigned homepage

Stay safe!

In Memoriam

We mark the passing of prominent Xenopus researchers during 2020.

hps4 gene responsible for periodic albino in Xenopus

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 4 is a human hypopigmentaion and bleeding disorder. Mutations in the hsp4 gene in Xenopus results in lower pigmentation in the eyes and skin. Periodic albino mutant X. laevis may be a useful model in studying this human syndrome.

Epigenetic sperm programming

Sperm contribute genetic and epigenetic information to the embryo. Oikawa et al. published in Nature Communications show homogeneously methylated histone H3 at the same genomic locations in most sperm cells.

A regeneration-permissive environment requires myeloid cells following tail amputation

Aztekin et al. interrogated natural tail regeneration during regeneration-competent and -incompetent developmental stages finding the myeloid lineage is essential for regeneration. Find their study at Development.

GSK3 Inhibits Macropinocytosis and Lysosomal Activity through the Wnt Destruction Complex Machinery

Albrecht et al. publish in Cell Reports Wnt-induced macropinocytosis is regulated through glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and the β-catenin destruction complex.

Roles of NMDARs in Visual Circuit Development

Kesner et al. publish in Cell Reports that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) on post- and presynaptic neurons regulate neuronal morphology in opposing manners.

Predation threats over 24 hours activate extension of axons in tadpole brains

Mori et al. investigated the induced gene expression and axon morphology changes in the brains of tadpoles under the threat of predation. Published in Scientific Reports.

Long-term transcription factor binding stabilizes gene expression

Gurdon et al., published in PNAS, show that long-term (hours to days as opposed to seconds) non-competitive binding of transcription factors such as neurogenic Ascl1 stabilizes gene expression.

18th International Xenopus Conference

The meeting has been postponed to August 15-19, 2021.

Portsmouth, UK at the EXRC

GBrowse on Xenbase

Archived genomes viewable on GBrowse.

As well as...

X. laevis v9.2

X. tropicalis v9.1 and v10.0

Click "read more" on how to access archived genomes on Xenbase GBrowse:

Xenopus tropicalis v10 genome

- available to BLAST

- view on JBrowse

99.86% of the genome mapped to chromosomes
~4500 new and refined models, 18% not present in trop v9.1

Click here to view the release document.

2020 Xenopus White Paper

The 2020 Xenopus Community White Paper is now available!

PIs: Please reference the White Paper in your NIH grant proposals and contact your program officers.

Download the 2020 Xenopus White Paper:

Word Document

PDF

Phenotypes on Xenbase

The latest release of Xenbase includes the ability to search for Phenotypes.

Click here to go to the Phenotype search page.

Click here to find details on executing a Phenotype search.

Click here to find details on the Xenopus Phenotype Ontology (XPO).