Supporting data for "Unveiling Vertebrate Development Dynamics in Frog <i>Xenopus laevis</i> using Micro-CT Imaging"

<i>Xenopus laevis</i>, the African clawed frog, is a versatile vertebrate model organism employed across various biological disciplines, prominently in developmental biology to elucidate the intricate processes underpinning body plan reorganization during metamorphosis. Despite its widespread utility, a notable gap exists in the availability of comprehensive datasets encompassing <i>Xenopus</i> late developmental stages. <br><br>In the present study, we harnessed micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), a non-invasive 3D imaging technique utilizing X-rays to examine structures at a micrometer scale, to investigate the developmental dynamics and morphological changes of this crucial vertebrate model. Our approach involved generating high-resolution images and computed 3D models of developing <i>Xenopus</i> specimens, spanning from premetamorphosis tadpoles to fully mature adult frogs. This extensive dataset enhances our understanding of vertebrate development and is adaptable for various analyses. For instance, we conducted a thorough examination, analyzing body size, shape, and morphological features, with a specific emphasis on skeletogenesis, teeth, and organs like the brain at different stages. Our analysis yielded valuable insights into the morphological changes and structure dynamics in 3D space during <i>Xenopus</i> development, some of which were not previously documented in such meticulous detail. This implies that our datasets effectively capture and thoroughly examine <i>Xenopus</i> specimens. Thus, these datasets hold the solid potential for additional morphological and morphometric analyses, including individual segmentation of both hard and soft tissue elements within <i>Xenopus</i>. <br><br>Our repository of micro-CT scans represents a significant resource that can enhance our understanding of <i>Xenopus</i> development and the associated morphological changes. The widespread utility of this amphibian species, coupled with the exceptional quality of our scans, which encompass a comprehensive series of developmental stages, opens up extensive opportunities for their broader research application. Moreover, these scans have the potential for use in virtual reality, 3D printing, and educational contexts, further expanding their value and impact.

非洲爪蟾（Xenopus laevis）是一种多用途脊椎动物模式生物，被广泛应用于诸多生物学科领域，尤其在发育生物学中用于阐明变态过程中躯体模式重组的复杂调控机制。尽管该物种的应用极为广泛，但当前仍存在显著研究空白：缺乏涵盖非洲爪蟾晚期发育阶段的综合性数据集。

本研究采用显微计算机断层扫描（micro-computed tomography，简称micro-CT）——一种借助X射线实现微米级结构成像的非侵入式三维成像手段——探究这一关键脊椎动物模型的发育动态与形态变化。研究团队通过采集高分辨率图像并构建了非洲爪蟾发育个体的三维模型，样本覆盖从变态前蝌蚪至完全成熟成蛙的全部发育阶段。这套大规模数据集可加深我们对脊椎动物发育过程的理解，且适配多种分析场景。例如，研究团队开展了系统性分析，对不同发育阶段的躯体尺寸、形态及各类结构特征进行了细致考察，重点聚焦于骨骼发生、牙齿以及脑等器官的发育变化。本次分析揭示了非洲爪蟾发育过程中三维空间内的形态演变与结构动态特征，其中部分细节此前尚未被如此精准地记录。这表明本数据集能够有效捕获并全面解析非洲爪蟾样本，因此具备支撑后续各类形态学与形态计量学分析的巨大潜力，包括对非洲爪蟾软硬组织元件的单独分割。

本研究的显微计算机断层扫描数据集库是一项极具价值的研究资源，能够推动我们对非洲爪蟾发育过程及其伴随形态变化的认知。这种两栖动物的广泛应用前景，结合本套扫描数据的卓越品质与覆盖全发育阶段的完整性，为其更广泛的研究应用提供了广阔空间。此外，这些扫描数据还可应用于虚拟现实、3D打印以及教育场景中，进一步拓展了其应用价值与社会影响力。

搜集汇总

背景与挑战

背景概述

该数据集通过微计算机断层扫描（micro-CT）技术，提供了非洲爪蟾（Xenopus laevis）从蝌蚪到成年蛙多个发育阶段的高分辨率3D图像和模型，填补了该物种晚期发育阶段数据空白。数据集支持对骨骼、牙齿和器官等形态变化的详细分析，并具有应用于形态计量学、虚拟现实和教育等领域的潜力。