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Related Concept Videos

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

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TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies
09:04

Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies

Published on: April 22, 2017

Retinoic acid signalling during development.

Muriel Rhinn1, Pascal Dollé

  • 1Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France. rhinn@igbmc.fr

Development (Cambridge, England)
|February 10, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative, regulates embryonic development by controlling stem cell differentiation and patterning. Its precise levels are managed through synthesis and degradation, influencing gene expression via nuclear receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Retinoic acid (RA) is a crucial signaling molecule derived from vitamin A.
  • RA functions as a ligand for nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs).
  • Embryonic RA levels are tightly regulated by synthesis and degradation pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of retinoic acid biosynthesis, degradation, and signaling.
  • To review the primary functions of retinoic acid during embryogenesis.
  • To highlight the role of RA metabolism in establishing signaling boundaries.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of RA biosynthesis and degradation pathways.
  • Analysis of RA signaling mechanisms involving nuclear receptors.

More Related Videos

Quantitative Measurement of Relative Retinoic Acid Levels in E8.5 Embryos and Neurosphere Cultures Using the F9 RARE-Lacz Cell-based Reporter Assay
09:49

Quantitative Measurement of Relative Retinoic Acid Levels in E8.5 Embryos and Neurosphere Cultures Using the F9 RARE-Lacz Cell-based Reporter Assay

Published on: September 6, 2016

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
09:07

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

Published on: June 21, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 25, 2026

Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies
09:04

Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies

Published on: April 22, 2017

Quantitative Measurement of Relative Retinoic Acid Levels in E8.5 Embryos and Neurosphere Cultures Using the F9 RARE-Lacz Cell-based Reporter Assay
09:49

Quantitative Measurement of Relative Retinoic Acid Levels in E8.5 Embryos and Neurosphere Cultures Using the F9 RARE-Lacz Cell-based Reporter Assay

Published on: September 6, 2016

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
09:07

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

Published on: June 21, 2016

  • Examination of RA's role in embryonic stem/progenitor cell differentiation and patterning.

    • Main Results:

    • RA acts as a morphogen, with its distribution controlled by metabolic enzymes like CYP26s.
    • RA signaling involves a balance between diffusion gradients and metabolic regulation.
    • These mechanisms enable precise control over embryonic cell differentiation and tissue patterning.

    Conclusions:

    • Retinoic acid is essential for embryonic development, regulating gene expression and cell fate.
    • The interplay of RA synthesis, degradation, and signaling pathways is critical for normal embryogenesis.
    • Understanding RA's role provides insights into developmental processes and potential therapeutic targets.