Mark Q. Martindale

This study investigates Notch signaling in ctenophores to determine its ancestral function, finding it likely involved in regulating progenitor cells and developmental fate decisions.

The paper uses antibodies to study β-catenin localization in Mnemiopsis leidyi embryos, finding it at cell-cell interfaces and in nuclei, suggesting ancestral roles in adhesion and transcription.

The paper investigates the evolution of the Wnt/β-catenin destruction complex in Nematostella vectensis, showing it functions similarly to bilaterians despite lacking conserved domains, suggesting an ancestral low-affinity binding mechanism.

This paper develops a transgenic system in Nematostella vectensis to study coral biomineralization by expressing and analyzing coral-derived proteins.

This study identifies symbiont-derived carotenoids and conserved genes as drivers of metamorphosis in Cassiopea xamachana, highlighting the role of microbial signals in developmental gene regulation.

The paper shows a regulatory gene promotes cnidocyte development by suppressing neural fate in sea anemones.

The paper describes the subcellular localization of Par proteins in Mnemiopsis leidyi embryos, showing differences from other animals and suggesting distinct epithelial organization mechanisms.

The paper reports gene expression patterns in Phoronopsis harmeri, showing similarities to rhynchonelliform brachiopods in developmental patterning but also unique features.

This study investigates gene expression patterns in Trichoplax adhaerens to argue for an oral-aboral axis and radial symmetry in the parahoxozoan ancestor.

This study investigates the ancestral role of β-catenin in ctenophores, finding it involved in cell fate specification rather than cell adhesion.

The paper investigates the role of Par-proteins in cell polarity and adhesion in Nematostella vectensis, showing their degradation in gastrodermal cells and their functional association with β-catenin and snail genes.

The paper identifies a new Hox gene expression domain in Nematostella vectensis that patterns the oral-aboral axis via Wnt signaling before gastrulation.

The paper investigates how ectopic cWnt signaling reorients the primary body axis during gastrulation in bilaterians.