Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Proliferation and Differentiation of Murine Myeloid Precursor 32D/G-CSF-R Cells
10:21

Proliferation and Differentiation of Murine Myeloid Precursor 32D/G-CSF-R Cells

Published on: February 21, 2018

10.5K

Specification of the primitive myeloid precursor pool requires signaling through Alk8 in zebrafish

Benjamin M Hogan1, Judith E Layton, Ujwal J Pyati

  • 1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Post Office Box 2008, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia.

Current Biology : CB
|March 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The Bmp receptor Alk8 is crucial for initiating myeloid blood cell development in the anterior of zebrafish embryos. This finding reveals an early genetic mechanism distinguishing anterior and posterior blood cell formation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Hematopoiesis Research
  • Zebrafish Embryology

Background:

  • Primitive hematopoiesis in zebrafish occurs in two distinct regions: ALPM for myeloid cells and PLPM for erythrocytes.
  • Transcription factors scl, gata1, and pu.1 regulate cell-fate specification.
  • Mechanisms for spatial separation and differential gene expression in hematopoietic precursors are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of Bmp receptor lost-a-fin/alk8 in early hematopoiesis.
  • Identify genetic events distinguishing anterior and posterior hematopoietic induction.
  • Elucidate the relationship between Alk8, pu.1 expression, and myelopoiesis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized zebrafish embryos as a model system.
  • Employed genetic analysis to study the function of lost-a-fin/alk8.
  • Investigated gene expression patterns, including pu.1 and gata1.
  • Examined the effects of constitutively active Alk8 receptor.

Main Results:

  • lost-a-fin/alk8 is essential for rostral pu.1 expression and anterior myelopoiesis.
  • Alk8's role in myelopoiesis is independent of the scl-dependent cell-fate pathway.
  • Alk8's function in myelopoiesis is genetically separable from its role in embryonic patterning.

Conclusions:

  • Alk8 is an early genetic determinant that specifies anterior hematopoiesis.
  • This pathway distinguishes the induction of anterior versus posterior hematopoietic programs.
  • Alk8 plays a critical, yet distinct, role in initiating myeloid development.

More Related Videos

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors08:01

Stimulation of Notch Signaling in Mouse Osteoclast Precursors

Published on: February 28, 2017

8.4K
Culture of myeloid dendritic cells from bone marrow precursors06:39

Culture of myeloid dendritic cells from bone marrow precursors

Published on: July 25, 2008

23.1K

Related Concept Videos

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns01:29

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...
1.5K
Requirements for Human Life01:26

Requirements for Human Life

The Earth and its atmosphere have provided humans with air, water, and food, but these are not the only requirements for survival. Humans also require a specific range of temperature and pressure that the Earth and its atmosphere provides.
Oxygen
Atmospheric air is only about 20 percent oxygen, but that oxygen is a key component of the chemical reactions that keep the body alive, including the reactions that produce ATP. Brain cells are susceptible to a lack of oxygen because they require a...
14.0K
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:28

Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Consuming animal-based products offers high-quality proteins that contain optimal levels and combinations of essential amino acids, crucial for tissue repair and growth. Foods like eggs, milk, fish, and most meats are a source of complete proteins. Legumes and cereals are abundant in proteins; however, they typically lack a full range of essential amino acids. As a result, they are considered incomplete protein sources. Some plant sources like soybeans, quinoa, and amaranth do contain complete...
1.8K
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:15

Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Carbohydrates are predominantly obtained from plant sources. With the exception of lactose found in milk and insignificant glycogen amounts in meat, most consumed carbohydrates have plant origins. Monosaccharides and disaccharides, or sugars, can be sourced from fruits, honey, milk, sugar cane, and sugar beets. Grains and vegetables are rich in the polysaccharide starch. Two types of polysaccharides provide fiber: cellulose, which is abundant in many vegetables, forms undigestible roughage or...
1.8K
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ...
2.2K