Genetic research in embryology.
Based on findings on the molecular mechanisms of differentiation in drosophila, developmental genes have been identified in mammals similar to those in drosophila. Moreover, sequence similarities between drosophila developmental genes and mammalian growth factors provide evidence for common ancestors of such genes and suggest a complex link between growth and differentiation. As numerous oncogenes display their action as growth factors and are expressed during embryogenesis, differentiation and oncogenesis seem to be two sides of the same coin. Therefore, the aim of molecular embryology is twofold; elucidating differentiation processes and disclosing oncogenesis by studying the physiological function of oncogenes during development. Recent progress in molecular genetic technology now allows gene function to be studied by modification or disruption of genes. Models of clinical diseases have already evolved from such work and it is anticipated that progress in molecular embryology will further stimulate work on the diagnosis and therapy of genetic diseases as well as clinical oncology.
Schmutzler
R K
RK
University Women's Hospital, Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms University Bonn, FRG.
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011247:Pregnancy