initiation of neural tube closure

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which closure points are established at multiple points and along the neural rostrocaudal axis. [GO_REF:0000021, GOC:cls, GOC:dgh, GOC:dph, GOC:jid]

Neural tube closure, a crucial developmental process, begins with the transformation of the neural plate, a flat sheet of ectodermal cells, into the neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system. This intricate process involves a series of precise steps:

1. **Formation of the neural plate:** The neural plate arises from the dorsal ectoderm, the outermost layer of cells in the embryo. The underlying mesoderm, a layer of tissue beneath the ectoderm, signals to the ectoderm to form the neural plate.

2. **Neural plate folding:** The neural plate edges begin to fold inward, forming neural folds. These folds rise and meet in the midline of the embryo, creating a groove called the neural groove.

3. **Neural tube closure:** The neural folds continue to rise and fuse at the dorsal midline, forming the neural tube. This fusion process starts in the middle of the embryo and progresses both rostrally (toward the head) and caudally (toward the tail).

4. **Closure initiation and zippering:** The closure of the neural tube is initiated at specific sites called the anterior and posterior neuropores. These neuropores are the last regions of the neural tube to close. The closure proceeds like a zipper, moving from the initiation points towards the open ends of the tube.

5. **Regulation of neural tube closure:** A complex interplay of signaling pathways and transcription factors regulates neural tube closure. These include the Wnt, Shh, and BMP pathways, which play crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion.

6. **Role of cell adhesion molecules:** Cell adhesion molecules, such as cadherins and integrins, are essential for the proper adhesion and fusion of the neural folds.

7. **Clinical significance:** Failure of neural tube closure leads to birth defects, such as anencephaly (absence of the brain) and spina bifida (defects in the spinal cord). This highlights the importance of proper neural tube closure for normal brain and spinal cord development.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)