Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Functional Cloning Using a Xenopus Oocyte Expression System
Published on: January 30, 2016
An Early Function of Polycystin-2 for Left-Right Organizer Induction in Xenopus
Philipp Vick1, Jennifer Kreis1, Isabelle Schneider1
1Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
Nodal signaling controls asymmetric organ placement during vertebrate embryogenesis. Nodal is induced by a leftward fluid flow at the ciliated left-right organizer (LRO). The mechanism of flow sensing, however, has remained elusive. pkd2 encodes the calcium channel Polycystin-2, which is required for kidney development and laterality, and may act in flow perception. Here, we have studied the role of Polycystin-2 in Xenopus and show that pkd2 is indispensable for left-right (LR) asymmetry. Knockdown of pkd2 prevented left-asymmetric nodal cascade induction in the lateral plate mesoderm. Defects were due to failure of LRO specification, morphogenesis, and, consequently, absence of leftward flow. Polycystin-2 synergizes with the unconventional nodal-type signaling molecule Xnr3 to induce the LRO precursor tissue before gastrulation, upstream of symmetry breakage. Our data uncover an unknown function of pkd2 in LR axis formation, which we propose represents an ancient role of Polycystin-2 during LRO induction in lower vertebrates.
Related Concept Videos
Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
Organic Compounds
Induction
A...
Functional Groups
Self-Inductance
Consider a circuit connected to an AC source. As the current varies with time, the magnetic flux through the circuit correspondingly changes. Faraday's law tells us that an emf would...
Accessory Organs

