Needing a Change? Researchers Find GABA is the Key to Metamorphosis (IMAGE)

University of Tsukuba

Needing a Change? Researchers Find GABA is the Key to Metamorphosis

Caption

Researchers led by the University of Tsukuba found that the neurotransmitter GABA is an essential regulator of metamorphosis in the sea squirt Ciona intestinalis. Larvae defective in GABA synthesis and transport failed to initiate metamorphosis and did not display adult organ growth. GABA positively regulated neurons expressing the reproductive maturation hormone GnRH, which is required for the key step of metamorphosis. These findings will help researchers to fully characterize the cellular changes underlying metamorphosis and explore pathway conservation among animals.

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University of Tsukuba

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