title: Calcium dynamics integrated into signalling pathways that influence vertebrate axial patterning.
abstract: Many aspects of animal development including fertilization as well as organ formation and function are dependent upon the dynamic release of calcium (Ca(2+)) ions. Although the controlled release and/or accumulation of Ca(2+) ions has been extensively studied, how the release dynamics produce a specific biological output in embryonic development is less clear. We will briefly summarize Ca(2+) sources, highlight data on endogenous Ca(2+) release in vertebrate embryos relevant to body plan formation and cell movement, and integrate pharmacological and molecular-genetic studies to lend insight into the signalling pathways involved. Finally, based on in vivo imaging in zebrafish genetic mutants, we will put forward the model that distinct Ca(2+) release dynamics lead to antagonism of the developmentally important Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway, while sustained Ca(2+) release modulates cell polarization or directed migration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Freisinger
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: Trudi A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Westfall
authors.forename: Diane C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Slusarski
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000502:physiology*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium