BMP Signaling: Lighting up the Way for Embryonic Dorsoventral Patterning

Abstract

One of the most significant events during early embryonic development is the establishment of a basic embryonic body plan, which is defined by anteroposterior, dorsoventral (DV), and left-right axes. It is well-known that the morphogen gradient created by BMP signaling activity is crucial for DV axis patterning across a diverse set of vertebrates. The regulation of BMP signaling during DV patterning has been strongly conserved across evolution. This is a remarkable regulatory and evolutionary feat, as the BMP gradient has been maintained despite the tremendous variation in embryonic size and shape across species. Interestingly, the embryonic DV axis exhibits robust stability, even in face of variations in BMP signaling. Multiple lines of genetic, molecular, and embryological evidence have suggested that numerous BMP signaling components and their attendant regulators act in concert to shape the developing DV axis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of BMP signaling in DV patterning. Throughout, we focus specifically on popular model animals, such as Xenopus and zebrafish, highlighting the similarities and differences of the regulatory networks between species. We also review recent advances regarding the molecular nature of DV patterning, including the initiation of the DV axis, the formation of the BMP gradient, and the regulatory molecular mechanisms behind BMP signaling during the establishment of the DV axis. Collectively, this review will help clarify our current understanding of the molecular nature of DV axis formation.

The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer

“…66 They have crucial roles during embryogenesis, mainly in mesoderm formation, cardiac and bone development. 67,68 Later on, they were found to be a ubiquitous molecule which plays a vital role in almost all organ systems, and are involved in cellular growth, apoptosis and differentiation of specialized cells within the intestinal epithelium. 69,70 BMP signaling pathway is initiated when BMP ligands bind to the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors BMP type II receptors (BMPRII), which then recruits and phosphorylates BMP type I receptors (BMPRI).…”

“…BMP ligands are members of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling family 66 . They have crucial roles during embryogenesis, mainly in mesoderm formation, cardiac and bone development 67,68 . Later on, they were found to be a ubiquitous molecule which plays a vital role in almost all organ systems, and are involved in cellular growth, apoptosis and differentiation of specialized cells within the intestinal epithelium 69,70 …”

Identification of the Time Period during Which BMP Signaling Regulates Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells in Zebrafish

“…BMP signaling exhibits pleiotropic effects on the developing nervous system and adult homeostasis. The BMP signaling gradient establishes the dorsoventral axis and negatively regulates neural induction to suppress neuroectoderm formation ([ 9 , 10 ], reviewed in [ 11 ]). Once the neural tube closes, BMP functions as a morphogen to regulate neural tube patterning and specify the neuronal subtypes in the dorsal neural tube (reviewed in [ 12 ]).…”

Two Homeobox Transcription Factors, Goosecoid and Ventx1.1, Oppositely Regulate Chordin Transcription in Xenopus Gastrula Embryos

“…However, the detailed molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated; therefore, we investigated the functional role of Gsc in activating chrd transcription. In contrast, Bmp signaling is predominant in the ventral region of the early gastrula embryo, promoting ectodermal differentiation [ 10 , 11 ]. We reported that Bmp signaling activates the expression of Ventx1.1 (a homeobox transcription factor [TF]) [ 12 ] to repress the expression of organizer and neural target genes [ 6 , 13 , 14 ].…”