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Published on: February 28, 2021
Dynamic Delta-like1 expression in presomitic mesoderm cells during somite segmentation
Akari Takagi1, Akihiro Isomura2, Kumiko Yoshioka-Kobayashi1
1Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan; Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
Cell surface Delta-like1 (Dll1) protein oscillates during somitogenesis, regulating Hes7 gene oscillations. Slower Hes7 responses to Dll1 in the anterior presomitic mesoderm (PSM) control somite segmentation timing.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Somite segmentation relies on synchronous Hes7 gene oscillations in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM).
- Oscillation slowing in the anterior PSM drives wave-like patterns crucial for somite formation.
- Notch signaling is vital for dynamic gene expression during somitogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the control of slowed oscillations in the anterior PSM.
- To determine if Delta-like1 (Dll1) protein oscillates on individual PSM cell surfaces.
- To elucidate the role of Dll1 oscillations in Hes7 synchronous oscillations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Dll1 fluorescent reporter mice for live-imaging.
- Observed Dll1 protein expression dynamics on PSM cell surfaces.
- Compared live-imaging data of Dll1 and Hes7 oscillations.
Main Results:
- Confirmed oscillatory Dll1 protein expression on the cell surface regions of PSM cells.
- Demonstrated an increased delay between Dll1 and Hes7 peaks in the anterior PSM.
- Indicated a slower Hes7 response to Dll1 signaling in the anterior PSM.
Conclusions:
- Dll1 protein oscillations on cell surfaces may regulate Hes7 synchronous oscillations.
- A slower Hes7 response to Dll1 contributes to the reduced oscillation frequency in the anterior PSM.
- This mechanism provides insight into the temporal control of somite segmentation.
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