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Published on: December 14, 2015
Systems control of BMP morphogen flow in vertebrate embryos
Jean-Louis Plouhinec1, Lise Zakin, Edward M De Robertis
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1662, USA.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|September 23, 2011
Summary
Embryonic development relies on precise pattern formation. This study reveals how Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) create a gradient in frog embryos, ensuring robust dorsal-ventral patterning through feedback control.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Systems biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Embryonic pattern formation relies on morphogenetic programs.
- Understanding the regulatory logic of these programs is crucial.
- Dorsal-ventral (D-V) patterning in frog gastrula by Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) is a well-studied self-regulating system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decode the regulatory logic of embryonic patterning programs.
- To understand how BMP activity gradients are maintained and regulated.
- To investigate the role of feedback control in ensuring pattern robustness.
Main Methods:
- Embryological analyses
- Mathematical modeling
- Investigation of BMP pathway modulators
Main Results:
- The BMP activity gradient is maintained by directed flow of BMP ligands ventrally.
- Feedback control of extracellular BMP pathway modulators ensures pattern robustness.
- Modulator levels adjust BMP flow to embryonic field dimensions.
Conclusions:
- Embryonic patterning systems utilize directed ligand flow and feedback control for robustness.
- Systems biology approaches are vital for deciphering complex developmental regulatory logic.
- BMP signaling plays a critical role in establishing D-V axis in frog embryos.
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