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From segment to somite: Segmentation to epithelialization analyzed within quantitative frameworks
Author(s) -
Kulesa Paul M.,
Schnell Santiago,
Rudloff Stefan,
Baker Ruth E.,
Maini Philip K.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.21199
Subject(s) - somite , segmentation , biology , somitogenesis , morphogenesis , process (computing) , anatomy , axial skeleton , vertebrate , embryo , computational biology , evolutionary biology , artificial intelligence , microbiology and biotechnology , computer science , embryogenesis , genetics , gene , operating system
One of the most visually striking patterns in the early developing embryo is somite segmentation. Somites form as repeated, periodic structures in pairs along nearly the entire caudal vertebrate axis. The morphological process involves short‐ and long‐range signals that drive cell rearrangements and cell shaping to create discrete, epithelialized segments. Key to developing novel strategies to prevent somite birth defects that involve axial bone and skeletal muscle development is understanding how the molecular choreography is coordinated across multiple spatial scales and in a repeating temporal manner. Mathematical models have emerged as useful tools to integrate spatiotemporal data and simulate model mechanisms to provide unique insights into somite pattern formation. In this short review, we present two quantitative frameworks that address the morphogenesis from segment to somite and discuss recent data of segmentation and epithelialization. Developmental Dynamics 236:1392–1402, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.