# The role of Cdx factors in zebrafish neural crest regionalization

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2020 · $39,190

## Abstract

Project Summary
The overall goal of this proposal is to investigate the role of Cdx proteins in patterning the nascent neural crest
(NC) along the body axis. The NC is a multipotent cell population that migrates extensively and gives rise to a
remarkable array of cell types. While substantial evidence suggests that cranial and trunk NC cells (NCCs)
exhibit differences in cellular behaviors, differentiation, and the underlying transcriptional network, the
mechanism by which these differences are established remains unaddressed. The strategy proposed to
investigate this key developmental question will be to focus on the role of Cdx, a homeodomain transcription
factor, in patterning the NC along the anteroposterior (AP) axis. Cdx function will be studied in zebrafish
embryos, as these are ideal for visualizing NCC behaviors in real time and well suited for genomic approaches.
Moreover, the availability of powerful transgenic tools and sophisticated genetic approaches make it possible
to label and modify specific cell types and evaluate gene function. Published and preliminary results have led
to my central hypothesis that zebrafish Cdx proteins repress cranial NC identity, and promote the
establishment of the trunk NC developmental program. Cdx proteins play a conserved role in AP patterning
and have been shown to promote spinal cord identity and repress the hindbrain developmental program in the
zebrafish. Given the role of Cdx proteins in patterning the neurepithelium, I propose them as candidates for
establishing the differences between cranial and trunk NCCs. To evaluate this hypothesis, in Aim 1 I will
determine whether Cdx regulates axial-specific NC features. In particular, I will determine whether loss and
gain of Cdx function impacts axial-specific cellular behaviors and differentiation potential using Single Plane
Illumination Microscopy and related approaches. In Aim 2 I will fully characterize details of Cdx expression
during NC development using fluorescent reporters, and utilize a novel approach to profile the genomic loci
bound by Cdx4 in the NCC lineage. From this data, I expect to identify targets of direct regulation by Cdx4 and
determine how Cdx establishes the trunk NC gene regulatory network. This project is innovative in using novel
transgenic approaches, cutting-edge microscopy, and newly developed methods for profiling transcription
factor-DNA interactions in order to investigate the role of Cdx in establishing trunk NCC identity, behaviors, and
the underlying transcriptional network. The proposed research is significant as it addresses a long-standing
and fundamental question in the field. Importantly, this project will provide an ideal training opportunity to
support my long-term professional goal of becoming an independent academic investigator focused on
investigating patterning and cell-fate regulation during development and developing innovative approaches and
technologies that will enable scientific exploration.!
!

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9993635
- **Project number:** 5F31HD097957-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Manuel Rocha
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $39,190
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9993635

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9993635, The role of Cdx factors in zebrafish neural crest regionalization (5F31HD097957-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9993635. Licensed CC0.

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