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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Neural Explant Cultures from Xenopus laevis
Published on: October 15, 2012
Neural crest induction by Xwnt7B in Xenopus
1Department of Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021-6399, USA.
Developmental Biology
|March 14, 1998
Summary
This study identifies Xenopus Wnt7B
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Neural patterning is crucial for early embryonic development, establishing anterior-posterior and medio-lateral axes.
- Wnt ligands are implicated in neural tube patterning, with distinct expression domains.
- Understanding Wnt signaling in neural development is key to deciphering developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize the full-length Xenopus Wnt7B gene.
- To investigate the role of Xwnt7B in neural patterning and neural crest induction.
- To explore the involvement of Wnt members in establishing the dorsoventral axis of the neural tube.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of the full-length Xenopus Wnt7B gene.
- Expression analysis of neural crest markers (Xslug, Xtwist) in response to Xwnt7B.
- In vivo experiments involving injection of Xwnt7B into Xenopus embryos.
Main Results:
- Xenopus Wnt7B (Xwnt7B) was successfully cloned.
- Xwnt7B induces neural crest markers Xslug and Xtwist in ectodermal explants.
- In vivo, Xwnt7B expands the expression domain of Xtwist.
Conclusions:
- Wnt7B plays a role in inducing neural crest markers.
- Xwnt7B is involved in the dorsoventral patterning of the developing neural tube.
- Wnt signaling is a significant factor in establishing neural polarity during development.
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