Wnt and FGF Signals in Trigeminal Placode Development
Author Information
Author(s): Canning Claire A, Lee Lily, Luo Sarah Xinwei, Graham Anthony, Jones C Michael
Primary Institution: Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR
Hypothesis
Wnt and FGF signals cooperate in the formation and differentiation of the trigeminal placodes.
Conclusion
Wnt and FGF signals are necessary and sufficient for the establishment and differentiation of the trigeminal ganglion.
Supporting Evidence
- Wnt signals are required for the early development of the trigeminal placodes.
- FGF signaling is necessary for maintaining early neuronal differentiation.
- Overexpression of Wnt1 or FGF8 leads to premature differentiation of trigeminal placodes.
- Both Wnt and FGF signals are needed to initiate Pax3 expression in the cranial ectoderm.
- MAPK pathway is essential for maintaining Islet1 expression in trigeminal placodes.
Takeaway
This study shows that two important signals, Wnt and FGF, work together to help form and develop a part of the nervous system called the trigeminal ganglion, which is important for sensing touch on the face.
Methodology
The study used electroporation of DNA constructs in chick embryos and various assays to analyze gene expression and signaling pathways.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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