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Morphogenetic and molecular correlates of teratogenesis in the amphibian embryo
1Department of Anatomy, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington 06032.
Abstract:
In attempting to develop a system to study molecular mechanisms of teratogenesis, examination of the effects of a teratogen (dimethyl sulfoxide) on both molecular and morphological aspects of embryonic development in the amphibian Xenopus laevis has been conducted. Characteristic morphological effects, which occur during the period from 7 to 16 hours after fertilization (i.e., gastrulation) are noted. Delays in gastrulation are accompanied by changes in the regulation of transcription of several genes known to be active during gastrulation in normal development. Later morphological effects are also observed, and these probably arise as a consequence of the changes occurring during gastrulation. Thus, molecular responses to a teratogen have been detected, and a correlation between molecular and morphological responses to a teratogen is observed. These findings represent the first demonstration of the effects of a teratogen on the transcription of specific genes, and invite speculation that one or more molecular events mediate teratogenesis. They further suggest that the amphibian system may be useful for studying early molecular responses to teratogens.
Insights
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exposure during Xenopus laevis gastrulation disrupts gene transcription and causes developmental abnormalities. This study reveals early molecular responses to teratogens, linking molecular events to morphological defects.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Teratogenesis involves disruptions in embryonic development.
- Understanding molecular mechanisms of teratogenesis is crucial for developmental toxicology.
- The amphibian Xenopus laevis is a valuable model for studying early embryonic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and morphological effects of a teratogen, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), on Xenopus laevis embryonic development.
- To establish a system for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying teratogenesis.
- To correlate molecular changes with observed morphological defects during development.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Xenopus laevis embryos to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
- Observation and documentation of morphological changes during gastrulation (7-16 hours post-fertilization).
- Analysis of gene transcription regulation in response to teratogen exposure.
Main Results:
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exposure caused characteristic morphological effects during gastrulation.
- Delays in gastrulation were associated with altered transcription of key developmental genes.
- Later morphological abnormalities were observed, likely stemming from gastrulation disruptions.
- A correlation between molecular and morphological responses to the teratogen was detected.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the impact of a teratogen on specific gene transcription during embryonic development.
- Molecular events are implicated as mediators of teratogenesis.
- The Xenopus laevis system is suitable for studying early molecular responses to teratogens.
- Findings provide insights into the molecular basis of birth defects and developmental abnormalities.