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Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Probing the Roles of Physical Forces in Early Chick Embryonic Morphogenesis
Published on: June 5, 2018
Progress on the mechanism of left-right asymmetrical patterning in bilaterians
Chao-Fan Xing1,2, Min-Tao Wang1,2, Lei Wang1,2
11. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment /Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China.
Abstract:
Left-right asymmetry is an essential feature in bilateral animals. The mechanism underlying the left-right asymmetrical organ morphogenesis is a central question in developmental biology. Studies in vertebrates show that left-right asymmetry formation needs three essential steps: the initial left-right symmetry breaking, the left-right asymmetrical gene expression, and the left-right asymmetrical organ morphogenesis. Many vertebrates use cilia to produce directional fluid flow to break symmetry during embryonic development, asymmetric Nodal-Pitx2 signaling to pattern the left-right asymmetry, and Pitx2 and other genes to control the morphogenesis of asymmetrical organs. In invertebrates, there are left-right mechanisms independent of cilia and even others more different from that of vertebrates. In this review, we summarize the major steps and relevant molecular mechanisms of left-right asymmetric development in vertebrates and invertebrates, aiming to provide a reference for the understanding of the origin and evolution of the left-right developmental mechanism.
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