Molecular characterization of chick anterior and posterior half-scleorotomes by RNA-sequencing.

During amniote peripheral nervous system development, segmentation ensures the correct patterning of the spinal nerves relative to vertebral column. Along the antero-posterior (rostro-caudal) axis, each somite-derived half-sclerotome has intrinsic molecular properties that govern this segmentation process. Posterior half-sclerotomes express repellent molecules to restrict axon growth and neural crest migration to anterior half-sclerotomes. Here, we report an RNA-sequencing-based molecular characterization of anterior and posterior half-sclerotomes, using the chick embryo as a model organism. Overall design: RNA-sequencing of pooled anterior half-sclerotomes (A) and posterior half-sclerotomes (P) microdissected from chick embryos, embryonic day 3 (stage Hamburger and Hamilton 18).