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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
Signalling through RXRβ and its agonist, bexarotene, promotes neuron formation in Xenopus laevis embryos
D Lopes Cardoso1, M Loizou1, D D Fourla1
1School of Environment and Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK.
Biology Open
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Bexarotene, a retinoid signaling molecule, promotes neuronal differentiation in Xenopus embryos. This study identifies key genes involved in this process, offering a new tool for discovering neurogenesis-promoting drugs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Retinoic acid signaling via RAR/RXR nuclear receptors is crucial for neuronal differentiation.
- Bexarotene, an RXR agonist, shows promise in Alzheimer's disease models by reducing amyloid plaques and enhancing neurogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of bexarotene-induced RXR signaling in promoting neurogenesis during Xenopus development.
- To identify genes mediating the epidermal-to-neural fate transition induced by bexarotene.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Xenopus laevis ectodermal explants, with and without BMP signaling inhibition (Noggin).
- Analyzing differential gene expression in response to bexarotene and RXRb co-injection.
- Investigating the activation of Wnt signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- RXR-initiated bexarotene signaling promotes neuron generation in developing Xenopus and in BMP-inhibited explants.
- Bexarotene treatment in co-injected explants activates genes for neuronal differentiation and posterior character, including Wnt pathway genes.
- Xenopus ectodermal explants serve as an effective model for identifying novel retinoid agonists.
Conclusions:
- Bexarotene signaling drives neuronal differentiation in Xenopus, partly through Wnt pathway activation.
- The identified genes provide insights into retinoid signaling pathways regulating neurogenesis.
- Xenopus ectodermal explants are a valuable tool for discovering compounds that promote neuronal differentiation.
