Neural tube derived Wnt signals cooperate with FGF signaling in the formation and differentiation of the trigeminal placodes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neurogenic placodes are focal thickenings of the embryonic ectoderm that form in the vertebrate head. It is within these structures that the precursors of the majority of the sensory neurons of the cranial ganglia are specified. The trigeminal placodes, the ophthalmic and maxillomandibular, form close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary and many lines of evidence have shown that signals emanating from this level of the neuraxis are important for the development of the ophthalmic placode.

Results

Here, we provide the first evidence that both the ophthalmic and maxillomandibular placodes form under the influence of isthmic Wnt and FGF signals. Activated Wnt signals direct development of the Pax3 expressing ophthalmic placodal field and induce premature differentiatio

SUBMITTER: Canning CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2649920 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature