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Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation
Published on: February 28, 2021
Convergence and extension movements during vertebrate gastrulation
Chunyue Yin1, Brian Ciruna, Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Program in Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Human Genetics, University of California at San Francisco, California, USA.
Current Topics in Developmental Biology
|September 10, 2009
Summary
Vertebrate gastrulation involves convergence and extension (C&E) movements that shape the body plan. This review details the cellular behaviors, molecular regulation, and polarity mechanisms driving C&E in zebrafish.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gastrulation is a critical phase in vertebrate development, establishing the embryonic body plan.
- Convergence and extension (C&E) movements are fundamental cellular processes driving tissue elongation during gastrulation.
- The spatial and temporal regulation of C&E movements is crucial for proper embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct cellular behaviors underlying the spatial and temporal patterns of C&E movements.
- To summarize the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating C&E.
- To highlight recent discoveries on establishing mediolateral cell polarity essential for C&E.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on gastrulation, focusing on zebrafish.
- Analysis of cellular behaviors, including cell shape changes and protrusion dynamics.
- Synthesis of molecular and genetic data on signaling pathways and polarity establishment.
Main Results:
- C&E movements exhibit position- and stage-dependent variations in rate.
- Specific cellular behaviors, such as cell elongation and directed protrusion, define C&E patterns.
- Molecular pathways and cell polarity are key regulators of C&E efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the cellular and molecular basis of C&E is vital for comprehending vertebrate development.
- Zebrafish serve as a key model organism for dissecting C&E mechanisms.
- Mediolateral cell polarity is a critical determinant for effective C&E movements.
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