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The National Xenopus Resource (NXR) at the Marine Biological Laboratory plays a key role in training and resource sharing for amphibian model systems. 

The genus Xenopus, particularly Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, has become a cornerstone in vertebrate developmental biology and genetics due to its unique biological features and experimental tractability. Phenotyping in Xenopus refers to the systematic analysis and characterization of observable traits—ranging from embryonic development and organogenesis to behavior and physiology—resulting from genetic, environmental, or experimental manipulations. This process is essential for understanding gene function, modeling human diseases, and elucidating fundamental biological processes.

The popularity of Xenopus as a model organism stems from several advantages. These amphibians produce large numbers of externally developing embryos, which are easily accessible for observation and manipulation. Their embryos are robust, transparent at early stages, and amenable to microinjection, making them ideal for gene knockdown, overexpression, and genome editing studies. Furthermore, the relatively short generation time of Xenopus tropicalis facilitates genetic studies across multiple generations. These features have led to the establishment of Xenopus as a preferred system for high-throughput phenotyping and functional genomics.

Source: Xenopus Phenotyping: Unlocking Breakthroughs in Developmental Biology (2025) | Reporteros del Sur