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Nodal antagonists in the anterior visceral endoderm prevent the formation of multiple primitive streaks

Aitana Perea-Gomez1, Francis D J Vella, William Shawlot

  • 1IGBMC/CNRS/INSERM, Université Louis Pasteur, 67404 Illkirch cedex, CU de, Strasbourg, France.

Developmental Cell
|November 15, 2002
PubMed

Insights

The anterior visceral endoderm uses Cerberus-like and Lefty1 to block Nodal signaling, preventing ectopic primitive streak formation in mouse embryos. These factors are crucial for correct embryo patterning and polarity establishment.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) is critical for establishing anterior-posterior (A-P) polarity in mouse embryos.
  • The specific molecular signals mediating AVE function in A-P patterning are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of Cerberus-like and Lefty1 in mouse embryonic polarity and primitive streak formation.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which AVE signals regulate early embryonic patterning.

Main Methods:

  • Generation and analysis of Cerberus-like(-/-);Lefty1(-/-) compound mutant mouse embryos.
  • Construction and analysis of embryonic chimeras.
  • Genetic manipulation involving Nodal gene dosage.

Main Results:

  • Cerberus-like(-/-);Lefty1(-/-) mutants exhibit ectopic primitive streak formation.
  • This defect is not rescued by wild-type embryonic or mutant extraembryonic cells in chimeras.
  • The defect is rescued in compound mutants by reducing Nodal gene dosage.
  • Cerberus-like and Lefty1 are essential for proper primitive streak patterning.

Conclusions:

  • Cerberus-like and Lefty1 act antagonistically to Nodal signaling in the AVE to restrict primitive streak formation to the posterior pole.
  • These antagonists are indispensable for correct primitive streak development and overall embryonic patterning.

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