Expression pattern of the Brachyury gene in whole-mount TWis/TWis mutant embryos

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 913-917 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.G. Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Gene Product ◽  
Gene Dosage ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Whole Mount ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Axis Elongation ◽  
Severe Disturbance ◽  
Axial Development

The murine Brachyury (T) gene is required in mesoderm formation. Mutants carrying different T alleles show a graded severity of defects correlated with gene dosage along the body axis. The phenotypes range from shortening of the tail to the malformation of sacral vertebrae in heterozygotes, and to disruption of trunk development and embryonic death in homozygotes. Defects include a severe disturbance of the primitive streak, an early cessation of mesoderm formation and absence of the allantois and notochord, the latter resulting in an abnormality of the neural tube and somites. The T gene is expressed in nascent mesoderm and in the notochord of wild-type embryos. Here the expression of T in whole-mount mutant embryos homozygous for the T allele TWis is described. The TWis gene product is altered, but the TWis/TWis phenotype is very similar to that of T/T embryos which lack T. In early TWis/TWis embryos T expression is normal, but ceases prematurely during early organogenesis coincident with a cessation of mesoderm formation. The archenteron/node region is disrupted and the extension of the notochord precursor comes to a halt, followed by a decrease and finally a complete loss of T gene expression in the primitive streak and the head process/notochord precursor. It appears that the primary defect of the mutant embryo is the disruption of the notochord precursor in the node region which is required for axis elongation. Thus the T gene product is directly or indirectly involved in the organization of axial development.

Onset of the segmentation clock in the chick embryo: evidence for oscillations in the somite precursors in the primitive streak

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (5) ◽  
pp. 1107-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Jouve ◽  
Tadahiro Iimura ◽  
Olivier Pourquie
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Process ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
The Body ◽  
Paraxial Mesoderm ◽  
Segmentation Clock ◽  
Head Mesoderm ◽  
Dynamic Expression ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Cyclic Gene

Vertebrate somitogenesis is associated with a molecular oscillator, the segmentation clock, which is defined by the periodic expression of genes related to the Notch pathway such as hairy1 and hairy2 or lunatic fringe (referred to as the cyclic genes) in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Whereas earlier studies describing the periodic expression of these genes have essentially focussed on later stages of somitogenesis, we have analysed the onset of the dynamic expression of these genes during chick gastrulation until formation of the first somite. We observed that the onset of the dynamic expression of the cyclic genes in chick correlated with ingression of the paraxial mesoderm territory from the epiblast into the primitive streak. Production of the paraxial mesoderm from the primitive streak is a continuous process starting with head mesoderm formation, while the streak is still extending rostrally, followed by somitic mesoderm production when the streak begins its regression. We show that head mesoderm formation is associated with only two pulses of cyclic gene expression. Because such pulses are associated with segment production at the body level, it suggests the existence of, at most, two segments in the head mesoderm. This is in marked contrast to classical models of head segmentation that propose the existence of more than five segments. Furthermore, oscillations of the cyclic genes are seen in the rostral primitive streak, which contains stem cells from which the entire paraxial mesoderm originates. This indicates that the number of oscillations experienced by somitic cells is correlated with their position along the AP axis.

Memoirs: Blastopore Mesoderm and Metameric Segmentation

1885 ◽  
Vol s2-25 (97) ◽  
pp. 15-28
Author(s):  
W. H. CALDWELL
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Terminal Position ◽  
Posterior Pair ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Anterior Pair

Facts in the development of Phoronis-- 1. The blastopore gives rise to both mouth and anus. 2. The mesoderm arises in an anterior pair of endoblastic modified diverticula, and in a posterior pair of ectoblastic diverticula connected by a few mesodermic cells derived from the middle of a primitive streak. 3. The nephridial openings to the exterior are parts of the blastopore. Preliminary interpretation suggested by these facts of the development of Phoronis-- 1. A gastraea with slit-like mouth and a pair of lateral diverticula giving rise to mesoderm was the ancestor of Phoronis. 2. The rapid growth of ectoderm in the median ventral line nearly succeeded in destroying the continuity of the primitive streak. 3. The necessity of an early attainment of a terminal position by the anus caused the ectoderm to grow more rapidly than, the emdoblast, and resulted in a division of the mesoderm into anterior and posterior parts. 4. The nephridia, which might have remained either wholly or in part with the anterior, have attached themselves entirely to the posterior mesoderm. Extension of this interpretation to the other Tripleblastiea-- 1. Phoronis is the first step towards a complete division of the blastopore. The inducing cause of such division is the elongation of the body, while the endoblast is still in an embryonic condition. 2. The division of blastopore caused the division of mesoderm. 3. The division of mesoderm results in-- i. The masking of the original mode of mesoderm formation. ii. Metameric segmentation.

scholarly journals Genetic Analysis of Isometric Growth Control Mechanisms in the Zebrafish Caudal Fin

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 155 (3) ◽  
pp. 1321-1329 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Kathryn Iovine ◽  
Stephen L Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Gene Product ◽  
Growth Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Segment Length ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Segment Number ◽  
Fin Ray ◽  
Growth Properties

Abstract The body and fins of the zebrafish grow rapidly as juveniles and slower as they reach maturation. Throughout their lives, the fins grow isometrically with respect to the body. Growth of individual fin rays is achieved by the distal addition of bony segments. We have investigated the genetic control of mechanisms that initiate new segments or control size of newly initiated segments. We find that both segment initiation and segment length are regulated during fin growth in wild-type fish. We examined the growth properties of lof and sof fin length mutants for effects on the number and length of fin ray segments. Fins of lof mutants continue to grow rapidly even after wild-type fin growth slows, resulting in positive allometric growth and additional fin ray segments. We suggest that lof mutants bypass mechanisms that limit segment initiation. Isometric growth is retained in sof mutants, resulting in shorter fins one-half the length of wild-type fins. The primary defect in sof mutants is that fin ray segments are shorter than wild-type segments, although segment number is also diminished. Double mutants for sof;lof reveal that segment length and segment number are controlled in different pathways. Our findings suggest that the lof gene product regulates segment initiation and the sof gene product regulates segment length.

Formation of the definitive endoderm in mouse is a Smad2-dependent process

Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (14) ◽  
pp. 3079-3090 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.D. Tremblay ◽  
P.A. Hoodless ◽  
E.K. Bikoff ◽  
E.J. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
Definitive Endoderm ◽  
Effector Proteins ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Surface Receptor

TGFbeta growth factors specify cell fate and establish the body plan during early vertebrate development. Diverse cellular responses are elicited via interactions with specific cell surface receptor kinases that in turn activate Smad effector proteins. Smad2-dependent signals arising in the extraembryonic tissues of early mouse embryos serve to restrict the site of primitive streak formation and establish anteroposterior identity in the epiblast. Here we have generated chimeric embryos using lacZ-marked Smad2-deficient ES cells. Smad2 mutant cells extensively colonize ectodermal and mesodermal populations without disturbing normal development, but are not recruited into the definitive endoderm lineage during gastrulation. These experiments provide the first evidence that TGFbeta signaling pathways are required for specification of the definitive endoderm lineage in mammals and identify Smad2 as a key mediator that directs epiblast derivatives towards an endodermal as opposed to a mesodermal fate. In largely Smad2-deficient chimeras, asymmetric nodal gene expression is maintained and expression of pitx2, a nodal target, is also unaffected. These results strongly suggest that other Smad(s) act downstream of Nodal signals in mesodermal populations. We found Smad2 and Smad3 transcripts both broadly expressed in derivatives of the epiblast. However, Smad2 and not Smad3 mRNA is expressed in the visceral endoderm, potentially explaining why the primary defect in Smad2 mutant embryos originates in this cell population.

scholarly journals Reproductive biology, embryonic development and matrotrophy in the phylactolaemate bryozoan Plumatella casmiana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Bibermair ◽  
Andrew N. Ostrovsky ◽  
Andreas Wanninger ◽  
Thomas Schwaha
Keyword(s):  
Embryonic Development ◽  
Embryo Sac ◽  
The Body ◽  
Transcellular Transport ◽  
Cell Contacts ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Distal Side ◽  
Early Embryos ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Cytoplasmic Processes

AbstractBryozoa is a phylum of aquatic, colonial suspension-feeders within the Lophotrochozoa. In the Phylactolaemata embryonic development occurs in an internal brood sac on the body wall accompanied by extraembryonic nutrition. Owing to previous contradictive descriptions, many aspects of their sexual reproduction require restudy. Consequently, this study analyses embryogenesis of the freshwater bryozoan Plumatella casmiana by serial sections, 3D reconstruction and transmission electron microscopy. Early embryos cleave and soon develop into blastulae with a small central cavity. The mesoderm forms by delamination starting from the distal side towards the proximal end. In later embryos two polypides form on the posterior side that ultimately will be covered by a ciliated mantle in the larva. Embryos increase in size during development and form temporary cell contacts to the embryo sac. Mesodermal cells of the embryo sac show signs of transcellular transport indicating that embryos are nourished by transferring nutrients from the maternal coelom towards the brood cavity. This study clarifies several details such as mesoderm formation and the onset of bud development. Embryos are connected to their respective embryo sacs by a variety of temporary cytoplasmic processes formed by both tissues during embryogenesis, including a ‘placental’ ring zone. Although ultrastructural data of these cell contacts are not entirely conclusive about their function, we suggest that embryos absorb nutrients via the entire surface. The close opposition of embryos to the embryo sac implies placentation as matrotrophic mode in phylactolaemate bryozoans, with embryo sacs acting as placental analogues.

Expression of a novel FGF in the Xenopus embryo. A new candidate inducing factor for mesoderm formation and anteroposterior specification

Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.V. Isaacs ◽  
D. Tannahill ◽  
J.M. Slack
Keyword(s):  
Specific Activity ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mesoderm Induction ◽  
Gastrula Stage ◽  
Blastula Stage ◽  
Mesoderm Formation ◽  
Low Levels

We have cloned and sequenced a new member of the fibroblast growth factor family from Xenopus laevis embryo cDNA. It is most closely related to both mammalian kFGF (FGF-4) and FGF-6 but as it is not clear whether it is a true homologue of either of these genes we provisionally refer to it as XeFGF (Xenopus embryonic FGF). Two sequences were obtained, differing by 11% in derived amino acid sequence, which probably represent pseudotetraploid variants. Both the sequence and the behaviour of in vitro translated protein indicates that, unlike bFGF (FGF-2), XeFGF is a secreted molecule. Recombinant XeFGF protein has mesoderm-inducing activity with a specific activity similar to bFGF. XeFGF mRNA is expressed maternally and zygotically with a peak during the gastrula stage. Both probe protection and in situ hybridization showed that the zygotic expression is concentrated in the posterior of the body axis and later in the tailbud. Later domains of expression were found near the midbrain/hindbrain boundary and at low levels in the myotomes. Because of its biological properties and expression pattern, XeFGF is a good candidate for an inducing factor with possible roles both in mesoderm induction at the blastula stage and in the formation of the anteroposterior axis at the gastrula stage.

Mediolateral somitic origin of ribs and dermis determined by quail-chick chimeras

Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (21) ◽  
pp. 4611-4617 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Olivera-Martinez ◽  
M. Coltey ◽  
D. Dhouailly ◽  
O. Pourquie
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscles ◽  
Body Wall ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Lateral Compartment ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Other ◽  
Lateral Part ◽  
Respective Contribution ◽  
Epaxial Muscles

Somites are transient mesodermal structures giving rise to all skeletal muscles of the body, the axial skeleton and the dermis of the back. Somites arise from successive segmentation of the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). They appear first as epithelial spheres that rapidly differentiate into a ventral mesenchyme, the sclerotome, and a dorsal epithelial dermomyotome. The sclerotome gives rise to vertebrae and ribs while the dermomyotome is the source of all skeletal muscles and the dorsal dermis. Quail-chick fate mapping and diI-labeling experiments have demonstrated that the epithelial somite can be further subdivided into a medial and a lateral moiety. These two subdomains are derived from different regions of the primitive streak and give rise to different sets of muscles. The lateral somitic cells migrate to form the musculature of the limbs and body wall, known as the hypaxial muscles, while the medial somite gives rise to the vertebrae and the associated epaxial muscles. The respective contribution of the medial and lateral somitic compartments to the other somitic derivatives, namely the dermis and the ribs has not been addressed and therefore remains unknown. We have created quail-chick chimeras of either the medial or lateral part of the PSM to examine the origin of the dorsal dermis and the ribs. We demonstrate that the whole dorsal dermis and the proximal ribs exclusively originates from the medial somitic compartment, whereas the distal ribs derive from the lateral compartment.

Increased hemangioblast commitment, not vascular disorganization, is the primary defect in flt-1 knock-out mice

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (13) ◽  
pp. 3015-3025 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.H. Fong ◽  
L. Zhang ◽  
D.M. Bryce ◽  
J. Peng
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Vascular Channels

We previously demonstrated the essential role of the flt-1 gene in regulating the development of the cardiovascular system. While the inactivation of the flt-1 gene leads to a very severe disorganization of the vascular system, the primary defect at the cellular level was unknown. Here we report a surprising finding that it is an increase in the number of endothelial progenitors that leads to the vascular disorganization in flt-1(−/−) mice. At the early primitive streak stage (prior to the formation of blood islands), hemangioblasts are formed much more abundantly in flt-1(−/−) embryos. This increase is primarily due to an alteration in cell fate determination among mesenchymal cells, rather than to increased proliferation, migration or reduced apoptosis of flt-1(−/−) hemangioblasts. We further show that the increased population density of hemangioblasts is responsible for the observed vascular disorganization, based on the following observations: (1) both flt-1(−/−) and flt-1(+/+) endothelial cells formed normal vascular channels in chimaeric embryos; (2) wild-type endothelial cells formed abnormal vascular channels when their population density was significantly increased; and (3) in the absence of wild-type endothelial cells, flt-1(−/−) endothelial cells alone could form normal vascular channels when sufficiently diluted in a developing embryo. These results define the primary defect in flt-1(−/−) embryos at the cellular level and demonstrate the importance of population density of progenitor cells in pattern formation.

A Wnt5a pathway underlies outgrowth of multiple structures in the vertebrate embryo

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (6) ◽  
pp. 1211-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.P. Yamaguchi ◽  
A. Bradley ◽  
A.P. McMahon ◽  
S. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
The Body ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Proliferating Cells ◽  
Precise Control ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Cell Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
Primary Body ◽  
Multiple Structures

Morphogenesis depends on the precise control of basic cellular processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Wnt5a may regulate these processes since it is expressed in a gradient at the caudal end of the growing embryo during gastrulation, and later in the distal-most aspect of several structures that extend from the body. A loss-of-function mutation of Wnt5a leads to an inability to extend the A-P axis due to a progressive reduction in the size of caudal structures. In the limbs, truncation of the proximal skeleton and absence of distal digits correlates with reduced proliferation of putative progenitor cells within the progress zone. However, expression of progress zone markers, and several genes implicated in distal outgrowth and patterning including Distalless, Hoxd and Fgf family members was not altered. Taken together with the outgrowth defects observed in the developing face, ears and genitals, our data indicates that Wnt5a regulates a pathway common to many structures whose development requires extension from the primary body axis. The reduced number of proliferating cells in both the progress zone and the primitive streak mesoderm suggests that one function of Wnt5a is to regulate the proliferation of progenitor cells.

scholarly journals The force-sensitive protein Ajuba regulates cell adhesion during epithelial morphogenesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 217 (10) ◽  
pp. 3715-3730 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Razzell ◽  
Maria E. Bustillo ◽  
Jennifer A. Zallen
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Adherens Junctions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Epithelial Morphogenesis ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
Lim Domain ◽  
Lim Domains ◽  
High Tension ◽  
Axis Elongation ◽  
Epithelial Sheets

The reorganization of cells in response to mechanical forces converts simple epithelial sheets into complex tissues of various shapes and dimensions. Epithelial integrity is maintained throughout tissue remodeling, but the mechanisms that regulate dynamic changes in cell adhesion under tension are not well understood. In Drosophila melanogaster, planar polarized actomyosin forces direct spatially organized cell rearrangements that elongate the body axis. We show that the LIM-domain protein Ajuba is recruited to adherens junctions in a tension-dependent fashion during axis elongation. Ajuba localizes to sites of myosin accumulation at adherens junctions within seconds, and the force-sensitive localization of Ajuba requires its N-terminal domain and two of its three LIM domains. We demonstrate that Ajuba stabilizes adherens junctions in regions of high tension during axis elongation, and that Ajuba activity is required to maintain cell adhesion during cell rearrangement and epithelial closure. These results demonstrate that Ajuba plays an essential role in regulating cell adhesion in response to mechanical forces generated by epithelial morphogenesis.

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