William R. Jeffery

Environmental hypoxia controls the evolution of cavefish heart asymmetry

This study shows that hypoxia induces left-looping heart development in surface fish, mimicking cavefish traits, and reveals a mechanistic link between hypoxia and evolutionary changes in heart asymmetry.

A common mechanism and multiple advantages of pigment loss underlie the convergent evolution of albinism in cave animals

This study identifies a common mechanism for albinism in cave animals, showing that blocking melanin synthesis early in the pathway provides multiple adaptive advantages.

Hypoxia-Sonic Hedgehog Axis as a Driver of Primitive Hematopoiesis Development and Evolution in Cavefish

The paper investigates how hypoxia and Sonic hedgehog signaling influence primitive hematopoiesis in cavefish, showing hypoxia enhances hematopoiesis and Shh signaling in surface fish.

Natural reversal of cavefish heart asymmetry is controlled by Sonic Hedgehog effects on the left-right organizer

The paper shows that enhanced Sonic Hedgehog signaling in cavefish modifies left-right organizer function, leading to reversed heart asymmetry.

Apoptosis is a generator of Wnt-dependent regeneration and homeostatic cell renewal in the ascidian Ciona

This study shows apoptosis and Wnt signaling are required for regeneration and homeostatic growth in Ciona, with apoptosis promoting progenitor cell survival.

A Hypomorphic Cystathionine β-Synthase Gene Contributes to Cavefish Eye Loss by Disrupting Optic Vasculature

This study identifies a mutation in the cbsa gene as a contributor to eye loss in cavefish by disrupting optic vasculature and causing hypoxia.

Evolutionary Changes in Left-Right Visceral Asymmetry in Astyanax Cavefish

This study examines evolutionary changes in left-right visceral asymmetry in Astyanax cavefish, identifying maternal genetic effects and regulatory changes in the lft2 gene.

Dual Roles of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Lens in Cavefish Eye Degeneration

The paper investigates the roles of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and lens in cavefish eye degeneration by generating an albino-eyed strain and analyzing its developmental traits.