Expression of beta-catenin in the developing chick myotome is regulated by myogenic signals

Schmidt, Maike, Tanaka, Mikiko and Munsterberg, Andrea (2000) Expression of beta-catenin in the developing chick myotome is regulated by myogenic signals. Development, 127 (19). pp. 4105-4113. ISSN 1477-9129

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Abstract

The developmental signals that govern cell specification and differentiation in vertebrate somites are well understood. However, little is known about the downstream signalling pathways involved. We have shown previously that a combination of Shh protein and Wnt1 or Wnt3a-expressing fibroblasts is sufficient to activate skeletal muscle-specific gene expression in somite explants. Here, we have examined the molecular mechanisms by which the Wnt-mediated signal acts on myogenic precursor cells. We show that chick frizzled 1 (Fz1), β-catenin and Lef1 are expressed during somitogenesis. Lef1 and β-catenin transcripts become restricted to the developing myotome. Furthermore, β-catenin is expressed prior to the time at which MyoD transcripts can be detected. Expression of β-catenin mRNA is regulated by positive and negative signals derived from neural tube, notochord and lateral plate mesoderm. These signals include Bmp4, Shh and Wnt1/Wnt3a itself. In somite explants, Fz1, β-catenin and Lef1 are expressed prior to activation of myogenesis in response to Shh and Wnt signals. Thus, our data show that a combination of Shh and Wnt1 upregulates expression of Wnt pathway components in developing somites prior to myogenesis. Thus, Wnt1 could act through β-catenin on cells in the myotome.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Cells and Tissues
Depositing User:	Users 2731 not found.
Date Deposited:	13 Sep 2011 10:19
Last Modified:	28 Mar 2025 04:58
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/34754
DOI:	10.1242/dev.127.19.4105

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