Welcome to the new version of CaltechAUTHORS. Login is currently restricted to library staff. If you notice any issues, please email coda@library.caltech.edu
Published July 1995 | Published
Journal Article Open

Dorsalization of the neural tube by the non-neural ectoderm

Abstract

The patterning of cell types along the dorsoventral axis of the spinal cord requires a complex set of inductive signals. While the chordamesoderm is a well-known source of ventralizing signals, relatively little is known about the cues that induce dorsal cell types, including neural crest. Here, we demonstrate that juxtaposition of the non-neural and neural ectoderm is sufficient to induce the expression of dorsal markers, Wnt-1, Wnt-3a and Slug, as well as the formation of neural crest cells. In addition, the competence of neural plate to express Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a appears to be stage dependent, occurring only when neural tissue is taken from stage 8–10 embryos but not from stage 4 embryos, regardless of the age of the non-neural ectoderm. In contrast to the induction of Wnt gene expression, neural crest cell formation and Slug expression can be induced when either stage 4 or stage 8–10 neural plates are placed in contact with the non-neural ectoderm. These data suggest that the non-neural ectoderm provides a signal (or signals) that specifies dorsal cell types within the neural tube, and that the response is dependent on the competence of the neural tissue.

Additional Information

© 1995 The Company of Biologists Limited. Accepted 8 April 1995. We would like to thank Angela Nieto for generously providing the Slug probe and helpful comments, Kristin Artinger for help with collagen gel culture techniques, Margaret Baron, Laura Burrus, Hélène Dassule, Brigid Hogan and Karen Symes for critical reading of the manuscript, Olivia Kelly for stimulating discussions and the anonymous reviewers for improving the manuscript. This work was supported by grants to A. P. M. and M. B. F. (USPHS HD-25138) from NIH. M. E. D. is a graduate fellow supported jointly by Columbia University and the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology. M. A. J. S. is supported by a fellowship from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Attached Files

Published - DICdev95.pdf

Files

DICdev95.pdf
Files (741.2 kB)
Name Size Download all
md5:8429b3d37ea4fd7a95fe51e721f48593
741.2 kB Preview Download

Additional details

Created:
August 20, 2023
Modified:
October 24, 2023