Advanced Techniques in Xenopus Analysis Shape the Future of Biomedical Research | Reporteros del Sur

A frog in the 小蓝视频's National Xenopus Resource in April 2025. Credit: Molly Herring

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鈥攔anging from embryonic development and organogenesis to behavior and physiology鈥攔esulting 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