
@article {1621,
	title = {Characterization of the finch embryo supports evolutionary conservation of the naive stage of development in amniotes.},
	journal = {Elife},
	volume = {4},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015},
	pages = {e07178},
	abstract = {<p>Innate pluripotency of mouse embryos transits from naive to primed state as the inner cell mass differentiates into epiblast. In vitro, their counterparts are embryonic (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), respectively. Activation of the FGF signaling cascade results in mouse ESCs differentiating into mEpiSCs, indicative of its requirement in the shift between these states. However, only mouse ESCs correspond to the naive state; ESCs from other mammals and from chick show primed state characteristics. Thus, the significance of the naive state is unclear. In this study, we use zebra finch as a model for comparative ESC studies. The finch blastoderm has mESC-like properties, while chick blastoderm exhibits EpiSC features. In the absence of FGF signaling, finch cells retained expression of pluripotent markers, which were lost in cells from chick or aged finch epiblasts. Our data suggest that the naive state of pluripotency is evolutionarily conserved among amniotes.</p>
},
	issn = {2050-084X},
	doi = {10.7554/eLife.07178},
	author = {Mak, Siu-Shan and Alev, Cantas and Nagai, Hiroki and Wrabel, Anna and Matsuoka, Yoko and Honda, Akira and Sheng, Guojun and Ladher, Raj K}
}
@article {1637,
	title = {Zebra finch as a developmental model.},
	journal = {Genesis},
	volume = {53},
	year = {2015},
	month = {2015 Nov},
	pages = {669-77},
	abstract = {<p>The domesticated zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a well-established animal model for studying vocal learning. It is also a tractable model for developmental analyses. The finch genome has been sequenced and methods for its transgenesis have been reported. Hatching and sexual maturation in this species takes only two weeks and three months, respectively. Finch colonies can be established relatively easily and its eggs are laid at a stage earlier than in other common avian experimental models, facilitating the analysis of very early avian development. Representing the Neoaves to which 95\% of all bird species belong, the finch can potentially complement two existing, Galloanserae developmental models, the chick, and quail. Here, we provide a step-by-step guide for how to set up a finch colony in a conventional laboratory environment. Technical tips are offered to optimize hens{\textquoteright} productivity and ensure a constant supply of fertilized finch eggs. Methods of handling finch eggs and embryos for subsequent embryological, cellular, or molecular analyses are also discussed. We conclude by emphasizing scientific values and cost effectiveness of maintaining a finch colony for avian developmental studies. genesis 53:669-677, 2015. {\textcopyright} 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p>
},
	issn = {1526-968X},
	doi = {10.1002/dvg.22900},
	author = {Mak, Siu-Shan and Wrabel, Anna and Nagai, Hiroki and Ladher, Raj K and Sheng, Guojun}
}
