The intricate dance of life, from a single fertilized egg to a complex organism, is orchestrated by a symphony of developmental mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms, particularly in organ formation, is not only a fundamental pursuit in biology but also holds immense potential for regenerative medicine. The purpose of this collection is to shine a spotlight on the fascinating world of organogenesis, exploring the shared and unique strategies employed by diverse species to build their vital organs. This compilation of articles will serve as a valuable resource to promote innovation in the mechanisms of organ development in invertebrates.

Organ development is a complex and dynamic process that involves a myriad of genetic, molecular, cellular, and environmental factors. While invertebrates exhibit remarkable diversity in their body plans and organ systems, they often share conserved developmental pathways and regulatory networks. Although our knowledge of these aspects has progressed, much remains to be clarified about the relevant regulatory mechanisms. Based on integration of insights from model organisms and emerging non-model species, this collection provides a comprehensive perspective on the developmental mechanisms that shape invertebrate organs. It also encourages the translation of basic research findings into applications in regenerative medicine studies.

This collection brings together a collection of reviews and original research articles from leading experts in the field. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge, highlight emerging trends, and spark new avenues of research in invertebrate organ development. Through unravelling the mysteries of how organs are built, we not only gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life but also pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in medicine and technology.

Keywords: development biology, development mechanism, invertebrate, organ

Developmental programming refers to the process by which early-life environmental factors influence the long-term health outcomes of an individual, including susceptibility to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Epigenetic modifications, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, have been increasingly recognized as key mediators of developmental programming. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, nutrition, toxins, and other environmental exposures during critical periods of development. Notably, epigenetic changes may be heritable, leading to transgenerational effects on health.

This Collection aims to explore the growing body of research examining the connection between developmental programming and epigenetics, with a focus on how exposures during critical period of development can impact gene expression and contribute to disease risk across the lifespan. We invite contributions that advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying developmental programming and epigenetic regulation, and that offer insights into potential therapeutic approaches for mitigating adverse health outcomes linked to early-life exposures.

Potential topics for this Collection include, but are not limited to:

Mechanisms of developmental programming: How early-life environmental exposures (e.g., nutrition, toxins, stress) induce epigenetic changes and influence long-term health.

DNA methylation and histone modification in developmental programming: Insights into how these epigenetic marks regulate gene expression during critical periods of development.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: Evidence and mechanisms by which epigenetic changes are passed from one generation to the next, affecting offspring health.

The role of non-coding RNAs in developmental programming and epigenetic regulation.

The impact of prenatal and early-life exposures on metabolic programming, neurodevelopment, and immune system function.

The influence of the maternal environment on epigenetic modifications and developmental outcomes.

The potential of epigenetic biomarkers in predicting disease risk and therapeutic interventions for early-life programming.

Epigenetic plasticity and interventions to mitigate the impact of harmful exposures (e.g., lifestyle changes, pharmacological approaches, and environmental modifications).

Keywords: developmental programming, epigenetic modifications, early-life exposures, transgenerational inheritance, disease risk