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Vertebrate anteroposterior patterning: the Xenopus neurectoderm as a paradigm
Author(s) -
Gamse Joshua,
Sive Hazel
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/1521-1878(200011)22:11<976::aid-bies4>3.0.co;2-c
Subject(s) - xenopus , ectoderm , gastrulation , vertebrate , biology , germ layer , dorsum , mesoderm , neural development , neuroscience , anatomy , neural plate , microbiology and biotechnology , embryo , embryogenesis , embryonic stem cell , genetics , induced pluripotent stem cell , gene
This review discusses formation of the vertebrate anteroposterior (AP) axis, focusing on the dorsal ectoderm, which gives rise to the nervous system, using the frog Xenopus as a model. After summarizing classical models of AP neural patterning, we describe recent molecular studies that are encouraging re‐examination of these models. Such studies have shown that AP ectodermal patterning occurs by the onset of gastrulation, much earlier than previously thought. The identity of tissues that determine AP pattern is discussed, and the definition of the Organizer is reconsidered. The activity of factors secreted by inducing tissues in early patterning decisions is assessed and formulated into a revised model for Xenopus AP neural patterning. Finally, AP ectodermal patterning in Xenopus dorsal ectoderm is compared to that of other germ layers, and to other vertebrates. BioEssays 22:976–986, 2000. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.