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Expression and functions of FGF-3 in Xenopus development
A Lombardo1, H V Isaacs, J M Slack
1Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|January 8, 1999
Summary
Xenopus FGF-3 gene expression patterns reveal its role in posterior development and anteroposterior axis patterning. Despite not inducing mesoderm in vivo, it maintains mesodermal gene expression and influences embryonic patterning.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Xenopus Embryology
Background:
- Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are crucial signaling molecules in embryonic development.
- Understanding the specific roles of FGF family members, like FGF-3, is essential for deciphering developmental processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression pattern of the Xenopus FGF-3 gene during early development.
- To investigate the biological activity and functional role of Xenopus FGF-3 in embryonic patterning.
Main Methods:
- Whole-mount in situ hybridization was used to map XFGF-3 expression domains.
- Double in situ hybridizations were employed to study dynamic gene regulation in the brain.
- Bioassays using Xenopus embryos assessed mesoderm induction and posteriorizing activities.
Main Results:
- XFGF-3 exhibits dynamic expression patterns, including posterior domains during gastrulation and specific brain regions (rhombomeres 3-5, r4, midbrain-hindbrain junction).
- XFGF-3 induces mesoderm formation from animal caps and shows posteriorizing activity on whole embryos, similar to other FGFs.
- Absence of maternal XFGF-3 suggests limited in vivo role in initial mesoderm induction.
Conclusions:
- XFGF-3 plays a significant role in the maintenance of mesodermal gene expression during gastrulation.
- Its expression patterns and biological activities suggest involvement in FGF-mediated anteroposterior axis patterning.
- XFGF-3 is dynamically regulated in the developing brain, contributing to hindbrain patterning.