Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Three and Four-Dimensional Visualization and Analysis Approaches to Study Vertebrate Axial Elongation and Segmentation
Published on: February 28, 2021
Mesp-family genes are required for segmental patterning and segmental border formation
1Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan. ysaga@lab.nig.ac.jp
Somite patterning relies on precise gene regulation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Hes7 in the posterior PSM and Mesp2 in the anterior PSM, interacting with Notch signaling, orchestrate somitogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Molecular genetics
- Embryogenesis
Background:
- Somitogenesis, the formation of body segments (somites), is crucial for embryonic development.
- Dynamic gene regulation within the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) governs this process.
- Notch signaling is a key pathway regulating somitogenesis timing and spatial coordination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of Hes7 and Mesp2 in somite patterning within the PSM.
- To investigate how these genes interact with Notch signaling to establish segmental identity.
- To provide genetic evidence for Mesp2's function in anterior PSM segmentation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene regulation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM).
- Focus on basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins Hes7 and Mesp2.
- Investigation of Notch signaling pathway involvement.
Main Results:
- Hes7 in the posterior PSM generates gene expression waves, influencing somite spacing.
- Mesp2 in the anterior PSM is critical for acquiring rostral/caudal identity and defining segmental borders.
- Genetic evidence demonstrates Mesp2's regulation of Notch signaling for segmental identity.
Conclusions:
- Hes7 and Mesp2 play distinct but essential roles in PSM segmentation.
- Mesp2's interaction with Notch signaling is vital for establishing anterior somite identity.
- Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is key to comprehending embryonic segmentation.
Related Concept Videos
Master Transcription Regulators
Pleiotropy
Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs)
Position-effect Variegation
Determination
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

