title: Timing embryo segmentation: dynamics and regulatory mechanisms of the vertebrate segmentation clock.
abstract: All vertebrate species present a segmented body, easily observed in the vertebrate column and its associated components, which provides a high degree of motility to the adult body and efficient protection of the internal organs. The sequential formation of the segmented precursors of the vertebral column during embryonic development, the somites, is governed by an oscillating genetic network, the somitogenesis molecular clock. Herein, we provide an overview of the molecular clock operating during somite formation and its underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. Human congenital vertebral malformations have been associated with perturbations in these oscillatory mechanisms. Thus, a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms regulating somite formation is required in order to fully understand the origin of human skeletal malformations.
authors.affiliation: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ; ICVS/3B's Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal ; Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Tatiana P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Resende
authors.affiliation: Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal ; ICVS/3B's Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.
authors.forename: Raquel P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.affiliation: Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal ; Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Palmeirim
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001683:Biological Clocks / Q000235:genetics*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D013997:Time Factors; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics*