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05:54
Microbead Implantation in the Zebrafish Embryo
Published on: July 30, 2015
Murine fibroblast growth factor receptor 1alpha isoforms mediate node regression and are essential for posterior
X Xu1, C Li, K Takahashi
1National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
Developmental Biology
|April 7, 1999
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 alpha (FGFR1alpha) isoforms are crucial for posterior mesoderm formation during embryonic development. Their disruption leads to failed cell migration, circulation defects, and embryonic lethality.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Alternative splicing of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (FGFR1) generates various isoforms.
- FGFR1alpha isoforms contain three extracellular immunoglobulin-like loops.
- Previous studies showed disruption of all major FGFR1 isoforms leads to gastrulation defects and embryonic lethality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To selectively investigate the role of FGFR1alpha isoforms in embryonic development.
- To elucidate the specific contribution of FGFR1alpha to mesoderm formation and posterior development.
Main Methods:
- Selective disruption of FGFR1alpha isoforms in mouse embryos.
- Analysis of embryonic development, focusing on gastrulation and mesoderm formation.
- Utilized regional marker analysis and DiI labeling to track cell migration.
Main Results:
- Selective disruption of FGFR1alpha isoforms resulted in failed posterior mesoderm formation.
- Mutant embryos exhibited lack of caudal somites, spina bifida, and circulatory system defects.
- Axial mesoderm cell migration to the posterior during gastrulation was significantly impaired.
- Embryonic death occurred between 9.5 and 12.5 days of development.
Conclusions:
- FGFR1alpha isoforms are essential for posterior mesoderm development during gastrulation.
- FGF/FGFR1alpha signaling acts as a posteriorizing factor, regulating node regression and posterior embryonic patterning.
- Defects in FGFR1alpha signaling disrupt axial mesoderm migration, leading to severe developmental abnormalities and embryonic lethality.
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