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Published on: December 14, 2015
Spatiotemporal regulation of fibroblast growth factor signal blocking for endoderm formation in Xenopus laevis
Sang-wook Cha1, Jong-Woo Lee, Yoo-seok Hwang
1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 700-412, Korea.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that the inhibition of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling induced endodermal gene expression in the animal cap and caused the expansion of the endodermal mass in Xenopus embryos. However, we still do not know whether or not the alteration of FGF signaling controls embryonic cell fate, or when FGF signal blocking is required for endoderm formation in Xenopus. Here, we show that FGF signal blocking in embryonic cells causes their descendants to move into the endodermal region and to express endodermal genes. It is also interesting that blocking FGF signaling between fertilization and embryonic stage 10.5 promotes endoderm formation, but persistent FGF signaling blocking after stage 10.5 restricts endoderm formation and differentiation.
Insights
Blocking fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in Xenopus embryos directs cell fate towards endoderm. The timing of FGF signal interruption is crucial, with early blocking promoting, and later blocking restricting, endoderm formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is known to influence gene expression and tissue development in embryos.
- Previous studies indicated FGF inhibition promotes endodermal gene expression in Xenopus animal caps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether altering FGF signaling controls embryonic cell fate in Xenopus.
- To determine the critical timing of FGF signal blockade for proper endoderm formation.
Main Methods:
- Inhibition of FGF signaling in Xenopus embryos at various developmental stages.
- Analysis of cell fate determination and endodermal gene expression in descendants of treated cells.
Main Results:
- Blocking FGF signaling causes descendant cells to migrate to the endodermal region and express endodermal genes.
- FGF signal blockade between fertilization and embryonic stage 10.5 enhances endoderm formation.
- Sustained FGF signaling blockade after stage 10.5 inhibits endoderm formation and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- FGF signaling plays a critical role in regulating embryonic cell fate and endoderm development in Xenopus.
- The temporal window for FGF signaling blockade is essential for promoting or restricting endoderm formation.
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