Pax2/8 proteins coordinate sequential induction of otic and epibranchial placodes through differential regulation of foxi1, sox3 and fgf24.

ABSTRACT: Vertebrate cranial placodes contribute vitally to development of sensory structures of the head. Amongst posterior placodes, the otic placode forms the inner ear whereas nearby epibranchial placodes produce sensory ganglia within branchial clefts. Though diverse in fate, these placodes show striking similarities in their early regulation. In zebrafish, both are initiated by localized Fgf signaling plus the ubiquitous competence factor Foxi1, and both express pax8 and sox3 in response. It has been suggested that Fgf initially induces a common otic/epibranchial field, which later subdivides in response to other signals. However, we find that otic and epibranchial placodes form at different times and by distinct mechanisms. Initially, Fgf from surrounding tissues induces otic expression of pa

SUBMITTER: Padanad MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3039053 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature