PUBLICATION
Computational analysis of BMP gradients in dorsal-ventral patterning of the zebrafish embryo
- Authors
- Zhang, Y.T., Lander, A.D., and Nie, Q.
- ID
- ZDB-PUB-070806-30
- Date
- 2007
- Source
- Journal of theoretical biology 248(4): 579-589 (Journal)
- Registered Authors
- Keywords
- Dorsal-ventral patterning, BMP gradients, Morphogens, Zebrafish embryo, Feedback
- MeSH Terms
-
- Animals
- Body Patterning/physiology*
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/genetics
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/metabolism*
- Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/physiology
- Computational Biology/methods
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Models, Biological
- Morphogenesis/physiology
- Nucleolus Organizer Region/ultrastructure
- Zebrafish/embryology*
- Zebrafish/metabolism
- Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
- Zebrafish Proteins/physiology
- PubMed
- 17673236 Full text @ J. Theor. Biol.
Citation
Zhang, Y.T., Lander, A.D., and Nie, Q. (2007) Computational analysis of BMP gradients in dorsal-ventral patterning of the zebrafish embryo. Journal of theoretical biology. 248(4):579-589.
Abstract
The genetic network controlling early dorsal-ventral (DV) patterning has been extensively studied and modeled in the fruit fly Drosophila. This patterning is driven by signals coming from bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and regulated by interactions of BMPs with secreted factors such as the antagonist short gastrulation (Sog). Experimental studies suggest that the DV patterning of vertebrates is controlled by a similar network of BMPs and antagonists (such as Chordin, a homologue of Sog), but differences exist in how the two systems are organized, and a quantitative comparison of pattern formation in them has not been made. Here, we develop a computational model in three dimensions of the zebrafish embryo and use it to study molecular interactions in the formation of BMP morphogen gradients in early DV patterning. Simulation results are presented on the dynamics BMP gradient formation, the cooperative action of two feedback loops from BMP signaling to BMP and Chordin synthesis, and pattern sensitivity with respect to BMP and Chordin dosage. Computational analysis shows that, unlike the case in Drosophila, synergy of the two feedback loops in the zygotic control of BMP and Chordin expression, along with early initiation of localized Chordin expression, is critical for establishment and maintenance of a stable and appropriate BMP gradient in the zebrafish embryo.
Genes / Markers
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping