Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
05:51
Author Spotlight: Non-Contact Measurement of Tissue Mechanics in Live Chick Embryos Using Brillouin Microscopy
Published on: November 10, 2023
837
Integrative Analysis of Key Signalling Pathways in Neural Tube Defects: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic
Jiahao Zheng1, Desheng Huo2, Kaizhong Wang3
1Bethune First Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
Summary
Neural tube defects (NTDs) stem from complex molecular and environmental factors. Understanding key signaling pathways like Wnt/PCP, Sonic Hedgehog, and Notch offers new therapeutic strategies for these severe congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Neural tube defects (NTDs), including anencephaly and spina bifida, are common birth defects affecting the central nervous system.
- These conditions lead to lifelong disabilities and significant healthcare costs.
- NTDs result from a combination of genetic and environmental influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the molecular mechanisms of three critical signaling pathways involved in neural tube development.
- To explore potential molecular therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating NTDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling.
- Literature review focusing on Sonic Hedgehog signaling.
- Literature review focusing on Notch signaling.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of the roles of Wnt/PCP, Sonic Hedgehog, and Notch pathways in neural tube formation.
- Identification of molecular targets within these pathways for therapeutic intervention.
- Synthesis of current knowledge linking signaling pathway dysregulation to NTD pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating the molecular underpinnings of NTDs is crucial for advancing prevention and treatment.
- Targeting key signaling pathways presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies against NTDs.
Related Concept Videos
03:14Notch Signaling Pathway
4.4K
The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
4.4K
01:30Neurulation
42.6K
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the...
42.6K