The vertebrate segmentation clock drives segmentation by stabilizing Dusp phosphatases

ABSTRACT: Pulsatile activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) regulates several cellular, developmental, and regenerative programs. Sequential segmentation of somites along the vertebrate body axis, a key developmental program, is also controlled by ERK activity oscillation. The oscillatory expression of Her/Hes family transcription factors constitute the segmentation clock, setting the period of segmentation. Although oscillation of ERK activity depends on Her/Hes proteins, the molecular mechanism of this regulation remained mysterious. Here, we show that Her/Hes proteins physically interact with and stabilize dual-specificity phosphatases (Dusp) of ERK, resulting in oscillations of Dusp4 and Dusp6 proteins. Pharmaceutical and genetic inhibition of Dusp activity disrupt ERK activi

ORGANISM(S): Danio rerio (zebrafish)

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PROVIDER: S-BSST1653 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other