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Increased internal Ca2+ mediates neural induction in the amphibian embryo
M Moreau1, C Leclerc, L Gualandris-Parisot
1Centre de Biologie du Développement, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
Summary
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are crucial for neural induction, acting through L-type Ca2+ channels. This study reveals Ca2+ signaling pathways involved in early embryonic development and gene expression regulation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Molecular Embryology
Background:
- The molecular mechanisms and natural inducers of neural induction remain largely unknown.
- Previous research suggested roles for protein kinase C and cAMP pathways in neural induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+) in the transduction of neuralizing signals during embryonic development.
- To elucidate the specific calcium channels and mechanisms involved in neural induction.
Main Methods:
- In vitro neural induction assays using Pleurodeles waltl embryos.
- Measurement of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) using fluorescent indicators.
- Application of lectins (Con A), Ca2+ channel agonists/antagonists, ryanodine, caffeine, and phorbol esters.
Main Results:
- Neural induction in vitro correlated with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i).
- L-type Ca2+ channel agonists, ryanodine, and caffeine induced neuralization and increased [Ca2+]i.
- The Ca2+ increase was mediated by L-type Ca2+ channels and potentially amplified by ryanodine-sensitive stores.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular Ca2+ plays a critical role in the transduction of neuralizing signals.
- Neural induction involves L-type Ca2+ channels and Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release mechanisms.
- Ca2+-dependent processes, potentially involving protein kinase C, regulate gene expression during neural induction.