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Interference with brachyury function inhibits convergent extension, causes apoptosis, and reveals separate

F L Conlon1, J C Smith

  • 1Division of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.

Developmental Biology
|August 24, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Brachyury is essential for vertebrate development, controlling mesoderm formation and notochord differentiation. Inhibiting Brachyury disrupts gastrulation movements and mesoderm cell survival in Xenopus and mouse.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Brachyury is a crucial transcription factor for mesoderm formation in vertebrates.
  • Its absence leads to posterior mesoderm loss and impaired notochord differentiation.
  • Misexpression can induce ectopic mesoderm, highlighting its sufficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular and molecular effects of inhibiting Brachyury function in Xenopus development.
  • To understand Brachyury's role in gastrulation and mesoderm differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed cellular analysis of Xenopus embryos with inhibited Brachyury.
  • Molecular analysis of gene function and cell behavior.
  • Comparative analysis with mouse models.

Main Results:

  • Brachyury is required for convergent extension movements during gastrulation.
  • It is essential for mesoderm differentiation induced by FGF.
  • Brachyury is necessary for the survival of posterior mesodermal cells in both Xenopus and mouse.

Conclusions:

  • Brachyury is indispensable for posterior mesoderm formation and notochord development.
  • Its function extends to regulating gastrulation movements and mesoderm cell viability.
  • Findings are conserved across species, including mouse models.

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