RRC ID 89227
Author Satou Y, Yoshida M, Yoshida R, Tokuhiro SI, Shibata A, Kohtsuka H, Kakizaki H, Aratake S, Yoshikawa A, Masuda R, Kusakabe TG, Ogasawara M, Hamada M, Shiba K, Inaba K, Satoh N, Sasakura Y.
Title Establishing genetically controlled, closed colonies of an ascidian.
Journal Development
Abstract Recent technological advances have made many "non-model" organisms accessible for experimental studies. However, inbred reference strains are not available for many of these, a situation that potentially affects experimental reproducibility. Although ascidians, Ciona intestinalis (type A, or C. robusta), are widely used for developmental biology, development of reference strains has not been successful. As an alternative way to improve reproducibility, we have established and maintained ascidian colonies through intra-population breeding every year from 2016 to 2020, and monitored genomic variants of these colonies. This method does not reduce genetic variation, but instead monitors and manages it in these colonies in an easy and cost-effective way. Furthermore, we recently upgraded these genetically isolated, closed colonies, which had been annually re-established, and have maintained them since 2021 with only intra-population breeding and occasional back-cross using cryopreserved sperm. Genetic variants that we have uncovered will facilitate new experimental designs using this species, and our genetically-controlled colonies will undoubtedly improve experimental reproducibility and traceability. Our method will provide a realistic solution for performing reproducible experiments using non-model organisms.
Published 2026-5-18
DOI 10.1242/dev.205572
PII 371734
PMID 42145072
MeSH Animals Breeding / methods Ciona intestinalis* / genetics Ciona intestinalis* / growth & development Genetic Variation Reproducibility of Results Urochordata* / genetics
IF 5.611
Resource
C.intestinalis / (O.japonicus) Wild C. int