Morphogen transport: theoretical and experimental controversies. (9th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akiyama, Takuya; Gibson, Matthew C.
• Is Part Of: Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Volume 4:Number 2(2015:Mar./Apr.)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2015-01-09
• Subjects: Developmental biology -- Periodicals; 571.805
• DOI: 10.1002/wdev.167
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-7684

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="wdev167-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p id="wdev167-para-0001">According to morphogen gradient theory, extracellular ligands produced from a localized source convey positional information to receiving cells by signaling in a concentration‐dependent manner. How do morphogens create concentration gradients to establish positional information in developing tissues? Surprisingly, the answer to this central question remains largely unknown. During development, a relatively small number of morphogens are reiteratively deployed to ensure normal embryogenesis and organogenesis. Thus, the intracellular processing and extracellular transport of morphogens are tightly regulated in a tissue‐specific manner. Over the past few decades, diverse experimental and theoretical approaches have led to numerous conflicting models for gradient formation. In this review, we summarize the experimental evidence for each model and discuss potential future directions for studies of morphogen gradients. <italic>WIREs Dev Biol</italic> 2015, 4:99–112. doi: 10.1002/wdev.167</p> <p>For further resources related to this article, please visit the <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="http://wires.wiley.com/remdoi.cgi?doi=10.1002/wdev.167" xlink:type="simple" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">WIREs website</ext-link>.</p> <p>Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.</p> </abstract>