A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of an extracellular matrix.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a blood vessel over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The blood vessel is the vasculature carrying blood.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the eye over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The eye is the organ of sight.

The characteristic movement of an immature neuron from germinal zones to specific positions where they will reside as they mature.

The characteristic movement of an immature neuron from germinal zones to specific positions where they will reside as they mature.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the lens over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The lens is a transparent structure in the eye through which light is focused onto the retina. An example of this process is found in Mus musculus.

The specification and formation of the apicobasal polarity of an epithelial cell that contributes to the shaping of a camera-type eye.

An endocytosis process in which cell surface receptors ensure specificity of transport. A specific receptor on the cell surface binds tightly to the extracellular macromolecule (the ligand) that it recognizes; the plasma-membrane region containing the receptor-ligand complex then undergoes endocytosis, forming a transport vesicle containing the receptor-ligand complex and excluding most other plasma-membrane proteins. Receptor-mediated endocytosis generally occurs via clathrin-coated pits and vesicles.

De novo generation of a long process of a neuron, that carries efferent (outgoing) action potentials from the cell body towards target cells. Refers to the morphogenesis or creation of shape or form of the developing axon.

The chemotaxis process that directs the migration of an axon growth cone to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the brain over time, from its formation to the mature structure. Brain development begins with patterning events in the neural tube and ends with the mature structure that is the center of thought and emotion. The brain is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.).

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the muscle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The muscle is an organ consisting of a tissue made up of various elongated cells that are specialized to contract and thus to produce movement and mechanical work.

The behavior of an organism pertaining to movement of the eyes and of objects in the visual field, as in nystagmus.

The process in which the migration of an axon growth cone of a motor neuron is directed to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

A process that results in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the notochord over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The notochord is a mesoderm-derived structure located ventral of the developing nerve cord. In vertebrates, the notochord serves as a core around which other mesodermal cells form the vertebrae. In the most primitive chordates, which lack vertebrae, the notochord persists as a substitute for a vertebral column.

The process in which the migration of an axon growth cone of a retinal ganglion cell (RGC) is directed to its target in the brain in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

Development of a photoreceptor, a sensory cell in the eye that reacts to the presence of light. They usually contain a pigment that undergoes a chemical change when light is absorbed, thus stimulating a nerve.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the camera-type eye over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The camera-type eye is an organ of sight that receives light through an aperture and focuses it through a lens, projecting it on a photoreceptor field.

The process in which the anatomical structures of blood vessels are generated and organized. The blood vessel is the vasculature carrying blood.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the eye are generated and organized. The camera-type eye is an organ of sight that receives light through an aperture and focuses it through a lens, projecting it on a photoreceptor field.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the brain are generated and organized. The brain is one of the two components of the central nervous system and is the center of thought and emotion. It is responsible for the coordination and control of bodily activities and the interpretation of information from the senses (sight, hearing, smell, etc.).

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells acquire specialized structural and/or functional features cells that make up the notochord. Differentiation includes the processes involved in commitment of a cell to a notochord cell fate.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a notochord cell over time, from its formation to its mature structure. Cell development does not include the steps involved in committing a cell to a specific fate.

The progression of a somite from its initial formation to the mature structure. Somites are mesodermal clusters that are arranged segmentally along the anterior posterior axis of an embryo.

The progression of the cornea over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The cornea is the transparent structure that covers the anterior of the eye.

The developmental process in which a skeletal muscle attaches to its target (such as bone or body wall).

The developmental process in which a skeletal muscle attaches to its target (such as bone or body wall).

The attachment of one cell to another cell via adhesion molecules, where both cells are part of the same organism.

The process in which neuronal axons and dendrites become coated with a segmented lipid-rich sheath (myelin) to enable faster and more energetically efficient conduction of electrical impulses. The sheath is formed by the cell membranes of Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system. Adjacent myelin segments are separated by a non-myelinated stretch of axon called a node of Ranvier.

Any process preventing the degeneration of the photoreceptor, a specialized cell type that is sensitive to light.

The process in which the branching structure of the salivary gland is generated and organized.

The progression of a skeletal muscle organ over time from its initial formation to its mature state. A skeletal muscle organ includes the skeletal muscle tissue and its associated connective tissue.

Blood vessel formation when new vessels emerge from the proliferation of pre-existing blood vessels.

The process in which the branching structure of the ureteric bud is generated and organized. The ureteric bud is an epithelial tube that grows out from the metanephric duct. The bud elongates and branches to give rise to the ureter and kidney collecting tubules.

The morphogenetic process in which the anatomical structures of a polarized epithelium are generated and organized. A polarized epithelium is an epithelium where the epithelial sheet is oriented with respect to the planar axis.

The characteristic movement of cells from the dorsal ridge of the neural tube to a variety of locations in a vertebrate embryo.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the hair follicle over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A hair follicle is a tube-like opening in the epidermis where the hair shaft develops and into which the sebaceous glands open.

The process in which the anatomical structures of an epithelial sheet are generated and organized. An epithelial sheet is a flat surface consisting of closely packed epithelial cells.

The process of introducing a phosphate group on to a protein.

A process that is carried out at the cellular level which results in the assembly, arrangement of constituent parts, or disassembly of cytoskeletal structures.

A series of molecular signals initiated by activation of a receptor on the surface of a cell. The pathway begins with binding of an extracellular ligand to a cell surface receptor, or for receptors that signal in the absence of a ligand, by ligand-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. The pathway ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by activation of a receptor on the surface of a cell. The pathway begins with binding of an extracellular ligand to a cell surface receptor, or for receptors that signal in the absence of a ligand, by ligand-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. The pathway ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of extracellular ligand to an integrin on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

A series of molecular signals initiated by the binding of extracellular ligand to an integrin on the surface of a target cell, and ending with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. transcription.

The chemotaxis process that directs the migration of an axon growth cone to a specific target site in response to a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.

The series of events required for an organism to receive an auditory stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. Sonic stimuli are detected in the form of vibrations and are processed to form a sound.

The series of events required for an organism to receive an auditory stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. Sonic stimuli are detected in the form of vibrations and are processed to form a sound.

The process in which a cell in an organism interprets its surroundings.

Any process in which a protein is transported to, or maintained in, a specific location.

The multiplication or reproduction of cells, resulting in the expansion of a cell population.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the epidermis over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The epidermis is the outer epithelial layer of an animal, it may be a single layer that produces an extracellular material (e.g. the cuticle of arthropods) or a complex stratified squamous epithelium, as in the case of many vertebrate species.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of an embryo from its formation until the end of its embryonic life stage. The end of the embryonic stage is organism-specific. For example, for mammals, the process would begin with zygote formation and end with birth. For insects, the process would begin at zygote formation and end with larval hatching. For plant zygotic embryos, this would be from zygote formation to the end of seed dormancy. For plant vegetative embryos, this would be from the initial determination of the cell or group of cells to form an embryo until the point when the embryo becomes independent of the parent plant.

Morphogenesis of an animal organ. An organ is defined as a tissue or set of tissues that work together to perform a specific function or functions. Morphogenesis is the process in which anatomical structures are generated and organized. Organs are commonly observed as visibly distinct structures, but may also exist as loosely associated clusters of cells that work together to perform a specific function or functions.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a tissue over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the anatomical structures of embryonic epithelia are generated and organized.

The controlled self-propelled movement of a cell from one site to a destination guided by molecular cues. Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

The controlled self-propelled movement of a cell from one site to a destination guided by molecular cues. Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, e.g. embryonic or regenerative cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features that characterize the cells, tissues, or organs of the mature organism or some other relatively stable phase of the organism's life history. Differentiation includes the processes involved in commitment of a cell to a specific fate and its subsequent development to the mature state.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the lung over time, from its formation to the mature structure. In all air-breathing vertebrates the lungs are developed from the ventral wall of the oesophagus as a pouch which divides into two sacs. In amphibians and many reptiles the lungs retain very nearly this primitive sac-like character, but in the higher forms the connection with the esophagus becomes elongated into the windpipe and the inner walls of the sacs become more and more divided, until, in the mammals, the air spaces become minutely divided into tubes ending in small air cells, in the walls of which the blood circulates in a fine network of capillaries. In mammals the lungs are more or less divided into lobes, and each lung occupies a separate cavity in the thorax.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a neuron projection over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A neuron projection is any process extending from a neural cell, such as axons or dendrites (collectively called neurites).

Assembly of hemidesmosomes, integrin-containing protein complexes that bind to laminin in the basal lamina. Hemidesmosomes form the contact between the basal surface of epithelial cells and the underlying basal lamina.

Assembly of hemidesmosomes, integrin-containing protein complexes that bind to laminin in the basal lamina. Hemidesmosomes form the contact between the basal surface of epithelial cells and the underlying basal lamina.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a fin over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The process in which the anatomical structures of a fin are generated and organized.

The morphogenetic process that results in flattening of a cell as a consequence of its adhesion to a substrate.

The morphogenetic process that results in flattening of a cell as a consequence of its adhesion to a substrate.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the pectoral fin are generated and organized. Pectoral fins are bilaterally paired fins mounted laterally and located behind the gill covers of fish. These fins are used for lateral mobility and propulsion.

The process in which the anatomical structures of the medial fin are generated and organized. A medial fin is an unpaired fin of fish, usually located dorsomedially or ventromedially and primarily used for stability while swimming.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a hair cell.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires specialized features of a hair cell.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an endoderm cell, a cell of the inner of the three germ layers of the embryo.

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of cell proliferation.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a dentin-containing tooth over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A dentin-containing tooth is a hard, bony organ borne on the jaw or other bone of a vertebrate, and is composed mainly of dentin, a dense calcified substance, covered by a layer of enamel.

The directed movement of a protein to a specific location.

The specification and formation of the apicobasal polarity of an epithelial cell.

The process in which a mesodermal, bone marrow or neural crest cell acquires specialized features of an endothelial cell, a thin flattened cell. A layer of such cells lines the inside surfaces of body cavities, blood vessels, and lymph vessels, making up the endothelium.

Any process preventing the degeneration of the photoreceptor, a specialized cell type that is sensitive to light.

The aggregation and bonding together of a set of components to form a focal adhesion, a complex of intracellular signaling and structural proteins that provides a structural link between the internal actin cytoskeleton and the ECM, and also function as a locus of signal transduction activity.

The process in which the identity of an animal organ is maintained. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The process in which the identity of an animal organ is maintained. Identity is considered to be the aggregate of characteristics by which a structure is recognized.

The process in which the anatomical structures of branches in an epithelial tube are generated and organized. A tube is a long hollow cylinder.

The series of events required for an organism to receive a sensory light stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. This is a neurological process.

The series of events required for an organism to receive a sensory light stimulus, convert it to a molecular signal, and recognize and characterize the signal. This is a neurological process.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the retina over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The retina is the innermost layer or coating at the back of the eyeball, which is sensitive to light and in which the optic nerve terminates.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the retina over time, from its formation to the mature structure. The retina is the innermost layer or coating at the back of the eyeball, which is sensitive to light and in which the optic nerve terminates.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features of inner ear receptor cells. Inner ear receptor cells are mechanorecptors found in the inner ear responsible for transducing signals involved in balance and sensory perception of sound.

The process in which relatively unspecialized cells, acquire specialized structural and/or functional features of inner ear receptor cells. Inner ear receptor cells are mechanorecptors found in the inner ear responsible for transducing signals involved in balance and sensory perception of sound.

The assembly of a cilium, a specialized eukaryotic organelle that consists of a filiform extrusion of the cell surface. Each cilium is bounded by an extrusion of the cytoplasmic membrane, and contains a regular longitudinal array of microtubules, anchored basally in a centriole.

The process in which a highly ordered sequence of patterning events generates the branched epithelial tubes of the lung, consisting of reiterated combinations of bud outgrowth, elongation, and dichotomous subdivision of terminal units.

The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a blood vessel of the retina over time, from its formation to the mature structure.

The directed movement of a protein to a specific location in the plasma membrane.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

The space external to the outermost structure of a cell. For cells without external protective or external encapsulating structures this refers to space outside of the plasma membrane. This term covers the host cell environment outside an intracellular parasite.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

A layer consisting mainly of proteins (especially collagen) and glycosaminoglycans (mostly as proteoglycans) that forms a sheet underlying or overlying cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells. The proteins are secreted by cells in the vicinity. An example of this component is found in Mus musculus.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha3, beta3 and gamma2 polypeptide chains.

That part of a multicellular organism outside the cells proper, usually taken to be outside the plasma membranes, and occupied by fluid.

A structure lying external to one or more cells, which provides structural support for cells or tissues.

A structure lying external to one or more cells, which provides structural support for cells or tissues.

A vesicle that is released into the extracellular region by fusion of the limiting endosomal membrane of a multivesicular body with the plasma membrane. Extracellular exosomes, also simply called exosomes, have a diameter of about 40-100 nm.

A vesicle that is released into the extracellular region by fusion of the limiting endosomal membrane of a multivesicular body with the plasma membrane. Extracellular exosomes, also simply called exosomes, have a diameter of about 40-100 nm.

The inner segment of a vertebrate photoreceptor containing mitochondria, ribosomes and membranes where opsin molecules are assembled and passed to be part of the outer segment discs.

A stereocilia coupling link that is composed of a fine filament present in developing stereocilia that couples the bases of individual stereocilia to one another. They are not present in mature stereocilia.

A stereocilia coupling link that is composed of a fine filament present in developing stereocilia that couples the bases of individual stereocilia to one another. They are not present in mature stereocilia.

A complex of proteins that connect growing stereocilia in developing cochlear hair cells, composed of Vlgr1, usherin, vezatin, and whirlin.

A complex of proteins that connect growing stereocilia in developing cochlear hair cells, composed of Vlgr1, usherin, vezatin, and whirlin.

A layer consisting mainly of proteins (especially collagen) and glycosaminoglycans (mostly as proteoglycans) that forms a sheet underlying or overlying cells such as endothelial and epithelial cells. The proteins are secreted by cells in the vicinity. An example of this component is found in Mus musculus.

A thin layer of dense material found in various animal tissues interposed between the cells and the adjacent connective tissue. It consists of the basal lamina plus an associated layer of reticulin fibers.

A thin sheet of proteoglycans and glycoproteins, especially laminin, secreted by cells as an extracellular matrix.

A thin sheet of proteoglycans and glycoproteins, especially laminin, secreted by cells as an extracellular matrix.

A thin sheet of proteoglycans and glycoproteins, especially laminin, secreted by cells as an extracellular matrix.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha1, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

A membrane-bounded organelle of eukaryotic cells in which chromosomes are housed and replicated. In most cells, the nucleus contains all of the cell's chromosomes except the organellar chromosomes, and is the site of RNA synthesis and processing. In some species, or in specialized cell types, RNA metabolism or DNA replication may be absent.

All of the contents of a cell excluding the plasma membrane and nucleus, but including other subcellular structures.

All of the contents of a cell excluding the plasma membrane and nucleus, but including other subcellular structures.

A cell junction that forms a connection between two or more cells in a multicellular organism; excludes direct cytoplasmic junctions such as ring canals.

An adherens junction which connects a cell to another cell.

A lipid bilayer along with all the proteins and protein complexes embedded in it an attached to it.

A lipid bilayer along with all the proteins and protein complexes embedded in it an attached to it.

The region of the plasma membrane located at the apical end of the cell.

The region of the plasma membrane located at the apical end of the cell.

A cell-substrate junction (attachment structure) found in epithelial cells that links intermediate filaments to extracellular matrices via transmembrane complexes. In vertebrates, hemidesmosomes mediate contact between the basal side of epithelial cells and the basal lamina. In C. elegans, hemidesmosomes connect epithelial cells to distinct extracellular matrices on both the apical and basal cell surfaces.

The portion of the photoreceptor cell cilium linking the photoreceptor inner and outer segments. It's considered to be equivalent to the ciliary transition zone.

An actin-based protrusion from the apical surface of auditory and vestibular hair cells and of neuromast cells. These protrusions are supported by a bundle of cross-linked actin filaments (an actin cable), oriented such that the plus (barbed) ends are at the tip of the protrusion, capped by a tip complex which bridges to the plasma. Bundles of stereocilia act as mechanosensory organelles.

A bundle of cross-linked stereocilia, arranged around a kinocilium on the apical surface of a sensory hair cell (e.g. a neuromast, auditory or vestibular hair cell). Stereocilium bundles act as mechanosensory organelles by responding to fluid motion or fluid pressure changes.

A bundle of cross-linked stereocilia, arranged around a kinocilium on the apical surface of a sensory hair cell (e.g. a neuromast, auditory or vestibular hair cell). Stereocilium bundles act as mechanosensory organelles by responding to fluid motion or fluid pressure changes.

A membrane-tethered, short cylindrical array of microtubules and associated proteins found at the base of a eukaryotic cilium (also called flagellum) that is similar in structure to a centriole and derives from it. The cilium basal body is the site of assembly and remodelling of the cilium and serves as a nucleation site for axoneme growth. As well as anchoring the cilium, it is thought to provide a selective gateway regulating the entry of ciliary proteins and vesicles by intraflagellar transport.

The narrow gap that separates the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, into which neurotransmitter is released.

A large, extracellular glycoprotein complex composed of three different polypeptide chains, alpha, beta and gamma. Provides an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta1 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

A laminin complex composed of alpha5, beta2 and gamma1 polypeptide chains.

The junction between a nerve fiber of one neuron and another neuron, muscle fiber or glial cell. As the nerve fiber approaches the synapse it enlarges into a specialized structure, the presynaptic nerve ending, which contains mitochondria and synaptic vesicles. At the tip of the nerve ending is the presynaptic membrane; facing it, and separated from it by a minute cleft (the synaptic cleft) is a specialized area of membrane on the receiving cell, known as the postsynaptic membrane. In response to the arrival of nerve impulses, the presynaptic nerve ending secretes molecules of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. These diffuse across the cleft and transmit the signal to the postsynaptic membrane.

The portion of the plasma membrane surrounding a stereocilium.

The portion of the plasma membrane surrounding a stereocilium.

A plasma membrane region adjacent to the base of eukaryotic cilia and flagella that is enriched in endocytosis-associated proteins and vesicles and that appears to regulate ciliary membrane homeostasis.

A protein complex composed of four proteins, loss of which results in Usher Syndrome type 2 (USH2 syndrome), a leading genetic cause of combined hearing and vision loss. This complex is conserved in many species; in mice, it is composed of USH2A, GPR98 (aka ADGRV1), WHRN, and PDZD7.