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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Probing the Roles of Physical Forces in Early Chick Embryonic Morphogenesis

Probing the Roles of Physical Forces in Early Chick Embryonic Morphogenesis

Published on: June 5, 2018

Left-right asymmetry in vertebrate development.

M L López-Gracia¹, M A Ros

¹Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Faculdad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain. rosm@unican.es

Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology

|January 11, 2007

Summary

Vertebrate organ arrangement is asymmetrical, established by nodal cilia and gene pathways. Understanding these mechanisms is key to revealing the genetic basis of human laterality defects.

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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Probing the Roles of Physical Forces in Early Chick Embryonic Morphogenesis

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Published on: June 5, 2018

Analysis of Gene Function and Visualization of Cilia-Generated Fluid Flow in Kupffer's Vesicle

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Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation

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Published on: February 28, 2021

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Genetics
Human Anatomy

Background:

Vertebrate body plan exhibits external bilateral symmetry.
Internal visceral organ distribution is notably asymmetrical.
Recent advances have illuminated the mechanisms of internal asymmetry.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize recent advances in understanding vertebrate internal asymmetry.
To highlight the role of nodal cilia and gene pathways in left-right patterning.
To explore the genetic basis of human laterality defects.

Main Methods:

Review of developmental models.
Analysis of genetic studies on left-right patterning.
Investigation of nodal cilia activity.

Main Results:

Nodal cilia activity is a key mechanism for establishing asymmetry.
Numerous genes are involved in the left-right patterning pathway.
Progress is being made in linking genetic pathways to human laterality defects.

Conclusions:

Significant progress has been made in understanding internal asymmetry.
The genetic basis of human laterality defects is beginning to be understood.
Further research is needed to elucidate gene interactions in left-right development.