On the role of gravity and positional information in embryological axis formation and tissue compartmentalization.
The idea that gravity affects dorso-ventral polarization in anouran development contrasts with the theories of self-organization through reaction-diffusion processes. As a result of a literature study we discuss the role of gravity in embryological axis formation and speculate on an influence of gravity on tissue compartmentalization. The involvement of compartmentalization in tissue homeostasis is discussed in the light of the recent progress in mammalian cell culture studies.
Allaerts
W
W
Laboratory of Cell Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Leuven, Belgium.
D000663:Amphibians / Q000196:embryology; D000818:Animals; D002451:Cell Compartmentation / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000502:physiology; D006112:Gravitation; D008322:Mammals / Q000196:embryology*; D010063:Ovum / Q000254:growth & development; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology