Page last updated: 2024-10-24

embryonic axis specification

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The establishment, maintenance and elaboration of a pattern along a line or a point in an embryo. [GOC:dph, GOC:go_curators, GOC:sdb_2009, GOC:tb]

Embryonic axis specification is a fundamental process in development that establishes the anterior-posterior (head-to-tail), dorsal-ventral (back-to-belly), and left-right axes of the embryo. This process ensures proper organization of tissues and organs within the developing organism. Here's a detailed description of the biological process:

**1. Anterior-Posterior Axis Specification:**

* **Maternal Determinants:** The egg cytoplasm contains maternally derived molecules, such as mRNA and proteins, that are asymmetrically distributed. These determinants influence the development of the anterior and posterior poles of the embryo.
* **Bicoid and Nanos:** In Drosophila, the bicoid gene product, a transcription factor, is concentrated at the anterior pole, while the nanos gene product, a translation repressor, is concentrated at the posterior pole. These gradients establish the anterior-posterior axis.
* **Gap Genes:** Gap genes, activated by bicoid and nanos, control the expression of pair-rule genes.
* **Pair-Rule Genes:** These genes define the segmentation pattern of the embryo, dividing it into repeating units.
* **Segment Polarity Genes:** Segment polarity genes further refine the segmentation pattern, ensuring the proper development of each segment.

**2. Dorsal-Ventral Axis Specification:**

* **Dorsal-Ventral Gradient:** A gradient of the signaling molecule, Dorsal, is established across the dorsal-ventral axis.
* **Dorsal-Ventral Gene Regulation:** Dorsal protein concentration influences the expression of genes that specify dorsal and ventral structures. High Dorsal levels specify ventral structures, while low levels specify dorsal structures.

**3. Left-Right Axis Specification:**

* **Nodal Flow:** In many vertebrates, the left-right axis is established by the movement of fluid within the node, a structure in the developing embryo. This fluid flow creates a leftward flow of signaling molecules.
* **Left-Right Asymmetry:** The leftward flow of signaling molecules activates the expression of genes that specify left-sided structures.

**4. Key Signaling Pathways:**

* **Wnt Pathway:** Involved in anterior-posterior axis specification and cell fate determination.
* **Hedgehog Pathway:** Important for segmentation and patterning along the anterior-posterior axis.
* **TGF-beta Superfamily:** Members of this family, such as Nodal and BMP, are involved in dorsal-ventral axis specification and cell fate determination.

**5. Importance of Axis Specification:**

* Proper axis specification is crucial for the correct development of the embryo.
* Defects in axis specification can lead to severe developmental abnormalities, such as missing or misplaced organs.

**6. Evolutionary Conservation:**

* The basic principles of axis specification are conserved across many species, indicating their importance in animal development.

**7. Further Research:**

* Research continues to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying axis specification, with a focus on identifying new genes, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks.
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Catenin beta-1A catenin beta-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:WCB, UniProtKB:P35222]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (6)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
salvinsalvin: a biocyclic diterpenoid; from sage and rosemary (Lamiaceae)abietane diterpenoid;
carbotricyclic compound;
catechols;
monocarboxylic acid
angiogenesis modulating agent;
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
food preservative;
HIV protease inhibitor;
plant metabolite
toxoflavintoxoflavin : A pyrimidotriazine that is 1,6-dimethyl-1,5,6,7-tetrahydropyrimido[5,4-e][1,2,4]triazine with oxo groups at positions 5 and 7.

toxoflavin: azapteridine antibiotic; structure
carbonyl compound;
pyrimidotriazine
antibacterial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
apoptosis inducer;
bacterial metabolite;
toxin;
virulence factor;
Wnt signalling inhibitor
cercosporincercosporin : An organic heterohexacyclic compound that is perylo[1,12-def][1,3]dioxepine-6,11-dione substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 5 and 12, by methoxy groups at positions 7 and 10, and by 2-hydroxypropyl groups at positions 8 and 9 (the R,R-stereoisomer). It is a phytotoxin which was first isolated from the pathogenic soybean fungus, Cercospora kikuchii and later found in multiple members of the genus Cercospora.

cercosporin: phyytotoxin from Cercospora beticola Sacc; posses photodynamic action on mice, bacteria & plants
LSM-42773aromatic ketone
etodolac, (-)-isomer(R)-etodolac : The R-enantiomer of etodolac. It is inactive, in contrast to the enantiomer, (S)-etodolac, which is a preferential inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. The racemate is commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and for the alleviation of postoperative pain.etodolac
ucn 1028 ccalphostin C: structure given in first source; isolated from Cladosporium cladosporioides