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Related Experiment Videos

Cilia-driven leftward flow determines laterality in Xenopus.

Axel Schweickert1, Thomas Weber, Tina Beyer

  • 1University of Hohenheim, Institute of Zoology, D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany.

Current Biology : CB
|January 9, 2007
PubMed
Summary
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In Xenopus embryos, cilia-driven leftward fluid flow precedes asymmetric nodal gene expression, establishing the left-right body axis. This flow is crucial for correct organ placement, resolving debates on vertebrate symmetry breaking.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Embryogenesis
  • Vertebrate Development

Background:

  • Vertebrate organ asymmetry arises from the left-right body axis during embryogenesis.
  • The Nodal cascade regulates this asymmetry, but the mechanism of symmetry breaking is debated.
  • Cilia-driven fluid flow is known to initiate the Nodal cascade in mammals and fish, but its role in amphibians is questioned.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of cilia-driven fluid flow in establishing left-right asymmetry in Xenopus embryos.
  • To determine the temporal relationship between fluid flow and asymmetric gene expression.
  • To confirm the necessity of leftward fluid flow for proper organ positioning.

Main Methods:

  • Observation of motile monocilia development and polarization on the gastrocoel roof plate during Xenopus neurulation.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Measurement of leftward fluid flow dynamics.
  • Intervention by injecting methylcellulose to inhibit fluid flow.
  • Analysis of asymmetric nodal gene expression and organ laterality.

    • Main Results:

    • Motile monocilia emerged and polarized on the gastrocoel roof plate, generating leftward fluid flow starting at stage 15.
    • This robust leftward flow significantly preceded asymmetric nodal transcription in the left-lateral-plate mesoderm (stage 19).
    • Inhibition of leftward fluid flow using methylcellulose resulted in laterality defects.

    Conclusions:

    • A cilia-driven leftward fluid flow mechanism is essential for initiating asymmetric nodal gene expression in Xenopus.
    • This finding supports a conserved role for cilia-driven flow in breaking symmetry across vertebrates.
    • The study demonstrates that fluid flow is required for correct organ placement during vertebrate embryogenesis.