Axis Patterning by BMPs: Cnidarian Network Reveals Evolutionary Constraints.

ABSTRACT: BMP signaling plays a crucial role in the establishment of the dorso-ventral body axis in bilaterally symmetric animals. However, the topologies of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling networks vary drastically in different animal groups, raising questions about the evolutionary constraints and evolvability of BMP signaling systems. Using loss-of-function analysis and mathematical modeling, we show that two signaling centers expressing different BMPs and BMP antagonists maintain the secondary axis of the sea anemone Nematostella. We demonstrate that BMP signaling is required for asymmetric Hox gene expression and mesentery formation. Computational analysis reveals that network parameters related to BMP4 and Chordin are constrained both in Nematostella and Xenopus, while those des

SUBMITTER: Genikhovich G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4460265 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature