Clare V. H. Baker

The paper examines gene expression in electroreceptor and mechanosensory organs of sturgeon, identifying shared and distinct molecular features of their ribbon synapses.

The paper uses fate-mapping in a cartilaginous fish to show the spiracular organ develops from a unique neurogenic placode, distinct from lateral line placodes, supporting its developmental independence from the lateral line system.

The paper investigates the role of Atoh1 and Foxg1 in the development of electroreceptors and hair cells in sterlet embryos, finding Atoh1 is required for both, while Foxg1 represses electroreceptor fate.

The paper identifies Bmp5 as promoting ampullary organ development while Bmp signalling inhibits their overproduction in sterlet sturgeon.

The paper identifies 23 transcription factor genes involved in electrosensory and mechanosensory lateral line organ development in paddlefish and sterlet, with some genes restricted to specific organ types.