Fig. 6

foxd3 loss-of-function improves the number and morphology of kit^j1e78 survival mutant melanophores. A,B,D,E: The kit^j1e78 survival mutants were injected with foxd3 morpholino oligonucleotide (MO; foxd3MO) or uninjected embryos were examined as controls. A: Control kit^j1e78 melanophores are small and rounded, characteristic of apoptosing melanophores. B,C: Loss of foxd3 activity restores some wild-type morphology to kit^j1e78 melanophores, and increases the number of melanophores (compare panel B to the AB wild-type melanophores in panel C). D: The kit^j1e78 controls lack ventral stripe melanophores near the otic vesicle, which have apoptosed and been removed from the fish. E: The kit^j1e78 foxd3 morphants show increases in melanophores at this location, suggesting increased survival. F: Cartoon illustrating the location of images taken in A-C. G: Quantification at 2, 4, and 6 days postfertilization (dpf) of kit^j1e78 and kit^j1e78 foxd3 morphant melanophores. There is a statistically significant increase in kit^j1e78 animals after foxd3 MO injection (P < 0.005 by 2-way analysis of variance; 10-19 fish per time point).