Robert Neil Kelsh

A quantitative coordinate system for developmental dynamics

This paper introduces STERN, a framework that quantitatively compares developmental trajectories across embryos by learning spatiotemporal representations from 4D imaging data.

The positionally conserved long non-coding RNA DANCR is an essential regulator of zebrafish development and a human melanoma oncogene

This study identifies DANCR as a conserved lncRNA essential for zebrafish development and a human melanoma oncogene, showing its role in regulating gene expression and promoting cancer progression.

Sox10 is required for systemic initiation of bone mineralization

The paper shows that Sox10 is required for systemic calcium uptake necessary for bone mineralization, through regulation of Stc1a production by neural crest cells.

Pax3 and Pax7 function in combination with Mitf to generate melanophores and xanthophores in medaka and zebrafish

This study shows that Pax3 and Pax7 work with Mitf to control melanophore and xanthophore development in medaka and zebrafish, revealing a conserved but complex regulatory network.

Trunk neural crest migratory position and asymmetric division predict terminal differentiation

The paper shows that migratory identity and terminal differentiation of trunk neural crest cells are coordinated, with leader cells giving rise to distal derivatives and followers to Schwann cells.

Notch controls the cell cycle to define leader versus follower identities during collective cell migration.

This study shows Notch signaling controls cell cycle progression to define leader and follower identities during zebrafish Trunk Neural Crest migration.

Novel Generic Models for Differentiating Stem Cells Reveal Oscillatory Mechanisms

The paper introduces mathematical models that generate oscillations in cell differentiation, proposing alternative mechanisms to the traditional epigenetic landscape framework.

Zebrafish pigment cells develop directly from persistent highly multipotent progenitors.

This study uses single-cell transcriptomics to show zebrafish pigment cells develop directly from broadly multipotent progenitors, challenging traditional fate restriction models.

Differential growth is a critical determinant of zebrafish pigment pattern formation

This study shows that differential growth, not initial pigment cell distribution, drives zebrafish stripe pattern formation and explains key developmental features.

The MITF paralog tfec is required in neural crest development for fate specification of the iridophore lineage from a multipotent pigment cell progenitor

This study identifies Tfec as the master regulator of iridophore fate specification from multipotent neural crest progenitors in zebrafish, revealing its role in early pigment cell lineage decisions.

Enteric glia as a source of neural progenitors in adult zebrafish

This study shows zebrafish enteric glia can proliferate and generate enteric neurons, similar to brain neural stem cells, and are regulated by Notch signaling.

Endothelin receptor Aa regulates proliferation and differentiation of Erb-dependant pigment progenitors in zebrafish

The paper identifies Endothelin receptor Aa as a regulator of APSC quiescence in zebrafish, linking blood vessel signals to pigment cell differentiation.

A systems biology approach uncovers the core gene regulatory network governing iridophore fate choice from the neural crest.

The paper identifies the core gene regulatory network (GRN) governing iridophore fate choice from neural crest progenitors in zebrafish using experimental data and mathematical modeling.