Image (IMAGE) University of Tsukuba Caption Researchers from the University of Tsukuba conducted single-cell gene expression analysis to uncover the effects of manipulation of the sensory cell regulator POU IV in the protovertebrate Ciona intestinalis. Alteration of POU IV expression led to the induction of cells with characteristics of multiple sensory cell types and cells that express a gene expression profile that has not been previously observed in Ciona intestinalis. The activation of upstream POU IV regulators Foxg and Neurogenin was identified as a possible mechanism underlying the unusual sensory cell development. Credit University of Tsukuba Usage Restrictions Unauthorized use is prohibited. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.