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Body Axes Establishment in Embryo Development

The document outlines the establishment of body axes during embryonic development, detailing the roles of various genes and factors in anterior-posterior, dorsoventral, and left-right axis formation. It describes the growth of the embryonic disc, the development of the trophoblast, and the formation of villi and circulation necessary for nutrient exchange. Key genes such as Nodal, BMP4, and PITX2 are highlighted for their critical roles in mesoderm patterning and left-right asymmetry.

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47 views3 pages

Body Axes Establishment in Embryo Development

The document outlines the establishment of body axes during embryonic development, detailing the roles of various genes and factors in anterior-posterior, dorsoventral, and left-right axis formation. It describes the growth of the embryonic disc, the development of the trophoblast, and the formation of villi and circulation necessary for nutrient exchange. Key genes such as Nodal, BMP4, and PITX2 are highlighted for their critical roles in mesoderm patterning and left-right asymmetry.

Uploaded by

sarah.waqar412
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Establishment of the Body Axes

1. Anterior–Posterior (A–P), Dorsoventral (D–V), and Left–Right (L–R) Axes:

 Initiated early, likely during morula to blastocyst stage.


 A–P axis is specified first, followed by D–V, then L–R.

2. Role of Anterior Visceral Endoderm (AVE):

 AVE cells migrate to cranial end.


 Express genes like OTX2, LIM1, HESX1, and secreted factors Cerberus and Lefty1.
 These inhibit Nodal, establishing cranial identity.

3. Nodal Expression:

 Inhibited cranially by Cerberus/Lefty1.


 Continues caudally to maintain primitive streak.
 Upregulates genes for mesoderm and body axis formation.

4. BMP4 and Mesoderm Patterning:

 BMP4 + FGF ventralizes mesoderm into:

 Intermediate mesoderm (kidneys)


 Lateral plate mesoderm (blood, body wall)

 Node = Organizer (Spemann’s term in Xenopus).


 BMP4 antagonists: Chordin, Noggin, Follistatin → dorsalize mesoderm into notochord,
somites.

5. Other Important Genes:

 HNF-3β: Maintains node and forebrain/midbrain development.


 Goosecoid: Regulates head development.

 Over/underexpression → head duplications (e.g., conjoined twins).

 Brachyury (T gene): Needed for cell migration through primitive streak and caudal
mesoderm formation.

 Deficiency → caudal dysgenesis.

Left–Right (L–R) Axis Formation


1. FGF8:

 Secreted from node/primitive streak.


 Induces Nodal on left side.

2. Serotonin (5-HT):
 Concentrates on left → activates MAD3.
 Restricts Nodal to left side.

3. Midline Genes:

 SHH, LEFTY1, ZIC3: Maintain midline and restrict Nodal crossing.

4. Left-Sided Gene Cascade:

 Nodal → Lefty2 → PITX2.


 PITX2 = "master gene" for left-sidedness (heart, gut, etc.).
 Ectopic PITX2 → situs inversus, dextrocardia.

5. Right-Sided Development:

 SNAIL gene expressed on right side.


 Left initiation is possibly due to:

 Node cilia creating Nodal gradient


 Gap junctions/small ion transport.

Fate Map (During Gastrulation)


 Cranial node → Prechordal plate, notochord.
 Lateral node + cranial streak → Paraxial mesoderm.
 Mid-streak → Intermediate mesoderm.
 Caudal streak → Lateral plate mesoderm.
 Caudalmost streak → Extraembryonic mesoderm (also from hypoblast).

Growth of the Embryonic Disc


 Initially flat and round → becomes elongated.
 Cephalic region expands more than caudal.
 Cells migrate cephalically from primitive streak.
 Invagination and migration continue until end of week 4.
 Primitive streak regresses by end of week 4.
 Germ layers differentiate earlier in cranial regions.
 Embryo develops cephalocaudally.

Further Development of the Trophoblast


1. Villi Formation:

 Primary villi: Cytotrophoblast core + syncytiotrophoblast.


 Secondary villi: Mesoderm invades core.
 Tertiary villi: Mesoderm differentiates into blood vessels.

2. Establishment of Circulation:

 Capillaries in tertiary villi connect with:


 Chorionic plate
 Connecting stalk
 Intraembryonic circulation

 By week 4, villous system is ready for nutrient/gas exchange.

3. Formation of Cytotrophoblastic Shell:

 Cytotrophoblasts invade syncytium and reach endometrium.


 Connect to neighboring villi → form cytotrophoblast shell.
 Anchors chorionic sac to maternal endometrium.

4. Types of Villi:

 Stem/anchoring villi: From chorionic plate to decidua basalis.


 Free (terminal) villi: Branch from stem villi; site of exchange.

5. Connecting Stalk:

 By day 19–20: Narrow stalk connects embryo to trophoblast.


 Later becomes umbilical cord.

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