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MAP kinase is activated during mesoderm induction in Xenopus laevis
R S Hartley1, A L Lewellyn, J L Maller
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
Developmental Biology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) rapidly activates in Xenopus embryos upon FGF stimulation, indicating its role in early mesoderm induction. Activin can modulate this FGF-induced MAPK activation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Mesoderm induction is a critical early event in Xenopus embryonic development.
- Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) is a known inducer of mesoderm.
- The role of Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in early signaling pathways is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and timing of MAPK activation in response to FGF-mediated mesoderm induction in Xenopus.
- To explore the interaction between FGF and Activin signaling in MAPK activation.
Main Methods:
- Xenopus embryo animal cap explants were used.
- Treatment with FGF and Activin.
- Immunoblot analysis to detect MAPK phosphorylation and electrophoretic shifts.
Main Results:
- FGF rapidly activates MAPK within 1 minute, with sustained activation for over 2 hours.
- MAPK activation by FGF is characterized by a shift to its phosphorylated form.
- Activin alone activates MAPK upon prolonged exposure, but potentiates FGF-induced activation early on.
Conclusions:
- MAPK plays a significant role in the early signaling events of FGF-mediated mesoderm induction.
- Activin modulates the early MAPK signaling initiated by FGF during mesoderm induction.