Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Generation of Naïve Blastoderm Explants from Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: July 30, 2021
Nodal signals pattern vertebrate embryos
1Laboratory of Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Abstract:
Vertebrate embryonic patterning requires several conserved inductive signals-including Nodal, Bmp, Wnt and Fgf signals. Nodal, which is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) superfamily, activates a signal transduction pathway that is similar to that of other TGFbeta members. Nodal genes, which have been identified in numerous vertebrate species, are expressed in specific cell types and tissues during embryonic development. Nodal signal transduction has been shown to play a pivotal role in inducing and patterning mesoderm and endoderm, and in regulating neurogenesis and left-right axis asymmetry. Antagonists, which act at different steps in the Nodal signal transduction pathway, have been shown to tightly modulate the inductive activity of Nodal.
More Related Videos
07:34The Power of Simplicity: Sea Urchin Embryos as in Vivo Developmental Models for Studying Complex Cell-to-cell Signaling Network Interactions
Published on: February 16, 2017
05:36Dissection and Lateral Mounting of Zebrafish Embryos: Analysis of Spinal Cord Development
Published on: February 28, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Gastrulation
Neurulation
Determination
Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways
Development of Blood Vessels
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...