Unlocking larval settlement in marine invertebrates

Researchers from the Chatzigeorgiou Group led by first author Jørgen Høyer, studied how marine larvae from the species Ciona intestinalis use their mechanical and chemical sensors to identify a suitable substrate for settlement and metamorphosis.

Using a nonstandard model organism such as Ciona intestinalis, is challenging due to the lack of standardized protocols. But unraveling the sensory circuit of this tiny marine organism has also been very fascinating. - Jørgen Høyer

Through the paper published in Current Biology, researchers now understand how marine planktonic larvae, which mostly have very small nervous systems, are capable of sensing a huge diversity of cues that are present in the ocean. They also have a better understanding of which cues are important for marine larvae to identify a suitable site for settlement and metamorphosis.