Left-Right Asymmetric Morphogenesis in the Xenopus Digestive System

Developmental Dynamics
By: , and 

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Abstract

The morphogenetic mechanisms by which developing organs become left-right asymmetric entities are unknown. To investigate this issue, we compared the roles of the left and right sides of the Xenopus embryo during the development of anatomic asymmetries in the digestive system. Although both sides contribute equivalently to each of the individual digestive organs, during the initial looping of the primitive gut tube, the left side assumes concave topologies where the right side becomes convex. Of interest, the concave surfaces of the gut tube correlate with expression of the LR gene, Pitx2, and ectopic Pitx2 mRNA induces ectopic concavities in a localized manner. A morphometric comparison of the prospective concave and convex surfaces of the gut tube reveals striking disparities in their rate of elongation but no significant differences in cell proliferation. These results provide insight into the nature of symmetry-breaking morphogenetic events during left-right asymmetric organ development. ?? 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Left-Right Asymmetric Morphogenesis in the Xenopus Digestive System
Series title Developmental Dynamics
DOI 10.1002/dvdy.10415
Volume 228
Issue 4
Year Published 2003
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Developmental Dynamics
First page 672
Last page 682
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