[DEV1 Roster]

This study section reviews applications covering a wide range of topics in developmental biology using diverse animal and plant models. Cellular, biochemical, genetic and molecular approaches to developmental problems at the level of cells, tissues, organs and the whole organism are appropriate. Emphasis is on the development of the gametes and on organogenesis.

Specific areas covered by DEV1:

• Gametogenesis in studies having a developmental focus: Includes imprinting, meiosis, germ cell/somatic cell interactions, and the processes leading to the formation of eggs and sperm.
• Pre-implantation, implantation and placental development in studies aimed at the elucidation of general  mechanisms of development.
• Animal cloning: Includes techniques of embryo splitting as well as introduction of donor nuclei into host eggs.
• Organogenesis: Includes signaling and morphogenetic pathways that lead to initial establishment of  primordia of organs such as gonads, reproductive tract, heart, lung, limbs, brain and spinal cord, and endodermal organs.
• Differentiation: Includes changes in gene expression and all processes leading to tissue formation and the adoption of specific cell fates.
• Signaling in development: Includes intercellular signals and activation of receptor-mediated signaling pathways leading to changes in developmental potential or fate or differentiation, particularly in the context of the development of the gonads and gametes and in organogenesis.
• Regulatory networks: Include whole genome approaches to profile and analyze regulatory networks in development, particularly in the context of the development of the gonads and gametes and in organogenesis.
• Regeneration: includes regeneration following amputation or injury of organs, limbs, and the nervous system when the focus is a basic developmental question.
• Metamorphosis: Includes both invertebrate and vertebrate metamorphosis.
• Apoptosis: Focuses on how this process participates in developmental processes rather than general apoptotic mechanisms.

DEV1 has the following shared interests within the BDA IRG:

• DEV1 overlaps substantially with the Development-2 [DEV2] study section with the exception that organogenesis and gametogenesis are emphasized in DEV1.

DEV1 has the following shared interests outside the BDA IRG:

• With the Genes, Genomes and Genetics [GGG] IRG and the Cell Biology [CB] IRG: Cell biological and genetic studies, when those studies emphasize a developmental question, could be reviewed in DEV1 as opposed to study sections in the GGG and CB IRGs.
  
  
• With the Immunology [IMM]; Oncological Sciences [ONC]; and Hematology [HEME] IRGs: The IMM, ONC, and HEME IRGs have developmental components. When the focus of an immunology, oncology, or hematology application is late development, assignment could be to IMM, ONC and HEME. When the focus is basic, early development, assignment could be to DEV1 or DEV2. Areas of shared interest may include stem cells, apoptosis, and cell cycle control.
  
  
• With the Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition and Reproductive Sciences [EMNR] IRG:  Shared interest exists between EMNR and BDA in the areas of meiosis and animal cloning as well as in gonadal and endocrine organogenesis. In general, applications on meiosis and animal cloning that focus on reproductive competency or success would be assigned to the EMNR IRG. Similarly, applications that focus on development (such as cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell fate, or early pattern formation) would be assigned to DEV1 or DEV2. In general, when the question being addressed is germane to the development of more than a single organ system, either because it addresses the "primordial organ" or because of the generality of the process being studied, the application would be assigned to BDA. Developmental studies focused on development of a specific organ should be reviewed in the context of that organ system (EMNR in the case of endocrine glands and reproductive organs). The overall philosophy is that assignment should be made based on the central focus of the application.
  
  
• With the Cardiovascular Sciences [CVS]; Musculoskeletal, Oral and Skin Sciences [MOSS]; Digestive Sciences [DIG]; Respiratory Sciences [RES]; and Renal and Urological Sciences [RUS] IRGs:  DEV1 and DEV2 include basic, early developmental mechanisms involved in formation of organ primordia, such as muscle, skeleton, skin, liver, lung, and kidney. Studies involving maturation of organ physiology or the physiology and function of developed organs could be assigned to other IRGs such as CVS, MOSS, DIG, RES, and RUS. Overlapping interests may include stem cells, apoptosis, and regulation of cell cycle.
  
  
• With the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience [MDCN] IRG: Studies involving maturation of brain and spinal cord or their physiology and function as developed organs may be assigned to MDCN. DEV1 may include basic, early developmental mechanisms involved in formation of organ primordia, such as the nervous system.