title: Neural tube patterning by Ephrin, FGF and Notch signaling relays.
abstract: The motor ganglion (MG) controls the rhythmic swimming behavior of the Ciona intestinalis tadpole. Despite its cellular simplicity (five pairs of neurons), the MG exhibits conservation of transcription factor expression with the spinal cord of vertebrates. Evidence is presented that the developing MG is patterned by sequential Ephrin/FGF/MAPK and Delta/Notch signaling events. FGF/MAPK attenuation by a localized EphrinAb signal specifies posterior neuronal subtypes, which in turn relay a Delta2/Notch signal that specifies anterior fates. This short-range relay is distinct from the patterning of the vertebrate spinal cord, which is a result of opposing BMP and Shh morphogen gradients. Nonetheless, both mechanisms lead to localized expression of related homeodomain codes for the specification of distinct neuronal subtypes. This MG regulatory network provides a foundation for elucidating the genetic and cellular basis of a model chordate central pattern generator.
authors: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Division of Genetics, Genomics and Development, Center for Integrative Genomics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. albertostolfi@gmail.com
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Stolfi
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Wagner
authors: J Matthew
authors: JM
authors: Taliaferro
authors: Seemay
authors: S
authors: Chou
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Levine
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning; D002938:Ciona intestinalis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D036342:Ephrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051524:Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D054259:Neural Tube / Q000378:metabolism*; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D036342:Ephrins; D051880:Receptors, Notch; D051524:Fibroblast Growth Factor 8