Identification of differentially expressed genes in the mutant tail regression failed (trf) in Ciona intestinalis.

Tunicate ascidians exhibit metamorphosis that converts tadpole, swimming larva into immotile adult. In ascidian Ciona intestinalis, the mutant tail regression failed (trf) which shows defects in the metamorphosis was previously reported (Nakayama-Ishimura et al., 2009). In the metamorphosis process, trf larvae settle normally with their adhesive papillae, but do not start tail regression, papillae retraction and sensory vesicle retraction, while development of adult organs proceed. To understand the molecular mechanism of the metamorphosis, microarray analysis of trf mutant was performed. Gene expressions in trf mutants was compared to the normal larvae and juveniles around the metamorphosis stage by Two-color detection method. Dye-swap analysis was carried out.