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Induction of mesodermal tissues by acidic and basic heparin binding growth factors
H Grunz1, W L McKeehan, W Knöchel
1Abteilung für Zoophysiologie, Universität GHS Essen, F.R.G.
Cell Differentiation
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Two bovine brain heparin-binding growth factors (HBGF-1 and HBGF-2) were tested on early amphibian embryos. They induced various tissues, including muscle and mesenchyme, with outcomes dependent on concentration and incubation time.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Heparin-binding growth factors (HBGFs) are crucial signaling molecules in embryonic development.
- Understanding the inductive capabilities of HBGFs is key to deciphering early embryonic patterning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental effects of HBGF-1 and HBGF-2 on totipotent ectoderm from amphibian embryos.
- To determine how varying concentrations and incubation times influence tissue induction by these growth factors.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of totipotent ectoderm from Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum embryos to purified HBGF-1 and HBGF-2.
- Systematic variation of growth factor concentrations and incubation durations.
- Microscopic analysis of induced embryonic structures and tissues.
Main Results:
- High concentrations of HBGFs induced compact spheres with non-epidermal epithelium.
- Reduced concentrations and incubation times led to the frequent induction of somite-organized muscle, endothelial vesicles, mesenchyme, and gut-like epithelium.
- Further reduction in exposure resulted in increased endothelium-lined vesicles and mesenchyme, with decreased muscle induction.
- Very low concentrations diminished the overall rate of induction.
Conclusions:
- HBGF-1 and HBGF-2 exhibit concentration-dependent inductive activities on early embryonic ectoderm.
- The observed shifts in induced tissues resemble those caused by the vegetalizing factor from chicken embryos.
- Secondary interactions involving additional factors likely mediate the induction of diverse mesodermal and endodermal tissues from both dorsal and ventral origins.