title: Xenopus Wnt11b is identified as a potential pronephric inducer.
abstract: In this study, we aimed to establish if known wnt signaling molecules could be responsible for inducing early pronephros specification, using a novel and effective in vitro bioassay in Xenopus embryos. Anterior somites have the unique biological activity to signal to unspecified intermediate mesoderm to induce pronephros formation in Xenopus embryos. We have used a molecular candidate gene approach to analyze both canonical and noncanonical wnt expression in isolated anterior and posterior somites and dissected presumptive pronephros, pronephric anlagen, and pronephros from stage 12.5-35 embryos. We have identified potential candidate wnt genes expressed in the right time and place to specify pronephric development. These candidates were then directly tested in an in vitro pronephrogenesis assay based on Holtfreter sandwich cultures. Results revealed that noncanonical wnt11b and wnt11 can induce pronephros formation in vitro. Loss-of-function experiments confirmed that these genes are necessary for normal pronephros development.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, Warwick University, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, United Kingdom.
authors: Stéphanie
authors: S
authors: Tételin
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D004627:Embryonic Induction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000196:embryology*; D008845:Microinjections; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019170:Somites / Q000378:metabolism*; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014981:Xenopus / Q000196:embryology*; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins