Vagabond
Vagabond is an ENU induced mutation in Ciona Savignyi that has a neuronal phenotype. The palps and the pigmented sensory organs are missing. The palp sensory neurons are misformed and the larva does not go through metamorphosis normally. These phenotypes lead to lethality in the homozygous mutant.
Wildtype tadpoles form palps at the tips of their heads. These structures are missing in vag mutants. Often, a lump of cells form where the palps normally would be.
The organization of neuronal cells is clearly defective in vagabond mutants. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against Arrestin (green) and CRALBP(red) show that while neurons containing both Arrestin and CRALBP are
present, their organization is in disarray in the mutant. Note also the absence of the pigment spot in the mutant animal.
This work was performed by Jason Tresser.