Neural induction: old problem, new findings, yet more questions.
During neural induction, the embryonic neural plate is specified and set aside from other parts of the ectoderm. A popular molecular explanation is the 'default model' of neural induction, which proposes that ectodermal cells give rise to neural plate if they receive no signals at all, while BMP activity directs them to become epidermis. However, neural induction now appears to be more complex than once thought, and can no longer be fully explained by the default model alone. This review summarizes neural induction events in different species and highlights some unanswered questions about this important developmental process.
Stern
Claudio D
CD
Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. c.stern@ucl.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology; D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004627:Embryonic Induction / Q000502:physiology*; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology*; D020897:Organizers, Embryonic / Q000502:physiology; D011784:Quail / Q000196:embryology; D012455:Salamandridae; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D014981:Xenopus; D029867:Xenopus Proteins
D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; C525812:bmp4 protein, Xenopus; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases