Dynamics of BMP signaling and distribution during zebrafish dorsal-ventral patterning.

ABSTRACT: During vertebrate embryogenesis, dorsal-ventral patterning is controlled by the BMP/Chordin activator/inhibitor system. BMP induces ventral fates, whereas Chordin inhibits BMP signaling on the dorsal side. Several theories can explain how the distributions of BMP and Chordin are regulated to achieve patterning, but the assumptions regarding activator/inhibitor diffusion and stability differ between models. Notably, 'shuttling' models in which the BMP distribution is modulated by a Chordin-mediated increase in BMP diffusivity have gained recent prominence. Here, we directly test five major models by measuring the biophysical properties of fluorescently tagged BMP2b and Chordin in zebrafish embryos. We found that BMP2b and Chordin diffuse and rapidly form extracellular protein gradients, Cho

SUBMITTER: Pomreinke AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5658070 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature