Editing Neural plate (section)

==Research==

Research on the neural plate began in earnest by looking into the determination of the ectoderm and its commitment to the neuronal path.  With the development of research and laboratory techniques there have been major advances in the study of neurulation and the development and role of the neural plate in a growing embryo. The use of such techniques vary with the stage of development and overall research goals, but include such methods as cell labeling and [[grafting]].<ref>de Vellis J, Carpenter E. General Development of the Nervous System. In: Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al., editors. Basic Neurochemistry: Molecular, Cellular and Medical Aspects. 6th edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven; 1999. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK28253/</ref>

===Cell labelling===
The process of [[in situ hybridization]] (ISH) follows the labeling of a [[DNA]] or [[RNA]] sequence to serve as an antisense [[mRNA]] probe, complementary to a sequence of mRNA within the embryo.  Labeling with a fluorescent dye or radioactive tag allows for the visualization of the probe and their location within the embryo.  This technique is useful as it reveals specific areas of gene expression in a tissue as well as throughout an entire embryo through whole-mount in situ hybridization.<ref name=Pineau>{{cite journal|last=Pineau|first=Isabelle|title=A Novel Method for Multiple Labeling Combining In Situ Hybridization With Immunofluorescence|journal=Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry|year=2006|volume=54|issue=11|pages=1303–1313|doi=10.1369/jhc.6a7022.2006|pmid=16899759|doi-access=free}}</ref>  This technique is often used in determination of gene expression necessary for the proper development of the embryo.  Marking certain genes in a developing embryo allows for the determination of the exact time and place in which the gene is activated, offering information in the role of the particular gene in development.

Similar to the process of in situ hybridization, [[immunofluorescence]] (IF) also allows for the determination of particular cell element's roles in development.  In contrast to in situ hybridization however, immunofluorescence uses a fluorophore attached to an antibody with biomolecule target, such as proteins, rather than DNA and RNA sequences.  The allows for the visualization of biomolecule elements of the cell.  In the study of embryogenesis immunofluorescence may be used for purposes similar to hybridization, for the tracking of proteins that are involved in the development of the embryo and their specific time and place of production and use.<ref name=Sadler>{{cite journal|last=Sadler|first=T.W.|title=A potential role for spectrin during neurulation|journal=J. Embryol|year=1986|volume=94|issue=1|pages=73–82|url=http://dev.biologists.org/content/94/1/73.long|access-date=27 April 2013}}</ref>  Current research has expanded on the immunofluorescence technique to combined it with the methods of in situ hybridization, either fluorescent or radioactive.  This combination is believed to increase specificity and take away for the limitations of each individual technique.  For example, this method with enhance counterstaining in a tissue and multiple protein labeling.<ref name="Pineau"/>

===Cell grafting===
Cell grafting in the early stages of embryo development has provided crucial information on [[Cell fate determination|cell fates]] and the processes of determination.  Grafting at specific stages of neurulation has advanced research on the signaling necessary for the proper development of the neural plate and other structures.  The grafting of the ectoderm and neural structures is very specialized and delicate procedure, requiring the removal and marking of a desired group of cells, followed by their transplantation, for example, into a new area of the embryo.<ref name=Tan>{{cite journal|last=Tan|first=SS|title=Analysis of cranial neural crest cell migration and early fates in postimplantation rat chimaeras|journal=J. Embryol|year=1986|volume=98|issue=1|pages=21–58|pmid=3655649|url=http://dev.biologists.org/content/98/1/21.long|access-date=27 April 2013}}</ref>

Grafting experiments done in ''Xenopus'' and chicken embryos show the neural plate's capability to induce other regions of cells, including the pre-placodal region, a group of ectodermal cells essential to the function of sensory organs.<ref name=Schatten>{{cite journal|last=Bailey|first=Andrew P.|author2=Andrea Streit|title=Sensory Organs: Making and Breaking the Pre-Placodal Region|journal=Current Topics in Developmental Biology|year=2006|volume=72|page=177|doi=10.1016/s0070-2153(05)72003-2|pmid=16564335|isbn=9780121531720}}</ref>