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Dynamic expression profiles during development of placodes in the embryonic chicken eye
Author(s) -
Franz-Odendaal Tamara Anne,
Giffin Jennifer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.08674
Subject(s) - sonic hedgehog , biology , fgf10 , fibroblast growth factor , wnt signaling pathway , hedgehog , mesenchyme , morphogen , endoderm , microbiology and biotechnology , enhancer , bone morphogenetic protein 4 , gene expression , embryonic stem cell , genetics , signal transduction , gene , receptor , embryo
The conjunctival epithelium of the chicken eye develops a series of placodes beginning at embryonic day 6.5. These placodes develop into conjunctival papillae over the course of 1.5 days before disappearing. These transient structures are responsible for inducing the underlying mesenchyme to develop into a ring of scleral ossicles. Here we assess the gene expression patterns of five major signaling pathways known to be involved in the development of other epithelial appendages, namely the WNT/β‐catenin, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), ectodysplasin (EDA), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and hedgehog (HH) pathways. Our comprehensive qPCR analyses of distinct regions of the eye, at different time points, enabled us to assess multiple gene expression patterns. Our data show that FGF1, FGF20, sonic hedgehog (SHH), ectodysplasin receptor (EDAR) and BMP4 are amongst the most highly upregulated genes identified in the system. EDAR, FGF20 and SHH were also significantly different across different regions of the eye and over developmental time within specific regions. Correlation analyses among relative normalized gene expression values revealed the strongest correlation between EDA and lymphoid enhancer factor‐1 (LEF1) and between FGF2 and FGF10. The enhanced sensitivity of qPCR reveals a more detailed signaling pattern than previously known. The dynamic expression patterns uncovered here are consistent with a conserved patterning signaling network observed in a diverse range of other placodes, including hair follicles and feather buds. Support or Funding Information This study was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada