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Mesodermal patterning by a gradient of the vertebrate homeobox gene goosecoid
C Niehrs1, H Steinbeisser, E M De Robertis
1Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1737.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 11, 1994
Summary
Small changes in goosecoid (gsc) protein levels significantly alter mesoderm differentiation in Xenopus laevis. This study reveals distinct cell states determined by gsc thresholds, impacting embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Embryology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Amphibian mesoderm forms crucial tissues like notochord and muscle from the gastrula's marginal zone.
- The goosecoid (gsc) homeodomain protein is implicated in early embryonic patterning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of goosecoid (gsc) dosage in mesoderm differentiation.
- To identify thresholds of gsc expression that specify distinct mesodermal cell fates.
Main Methods:
- Microinjection of varying amounts of messenger RNA encoding the goosecoid (gsc) protein in Xenopus laevis embryos.
- Analysis of mesodermal tissue differentiation and cell state specification.
- Assessment of endogenous gsc messenger RNA expression patterns.
Main Results:
- A twofold change in microinjected gsc messenger RNA led to significant alterations in mesoderm differentiation.
- At least three distinct thresholds of gsc levels were identified, each specifying a unique mesodermal cell state.
- Endogenous gsc messenger RNA exhibited a graded expression in the marginal zone, correlating with dorso-ventral patterning.
Conclusions:
- Goosecoid (gsc) acts as a dose-dependent regulator of mesoderm differentiation in Xenopus laevis.
- Graded expression of gsc is crucial for establishing the dorso-ventral axis of the mesoderm during early gastrulation.
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