The Cortical Hem in the Chick Telencephalon: Evidence of a Signaling Center Implicated in Patterning the Dorsal Forebrain
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Authors
Terranella, Andrew
Issue Date
1998
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Embryonic signaling centers regulate cell fate specification and patterning of the
developing organism. The notochord, floor plate, and roofplate are putative signaling
centers responsible for patterning the dorsoventral axis of the developing central nervous system. They are characterized by their inductive capacity and the expression of distinct signal peptides including Wnts, sonic hedgehog, and bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmp) , all of which mediate cell-cell communication and facilitate embryonic induction.
The cortical hem is a recently discovered signaling center in mouse which
expresses multiple Wnt genes and Bmps. Located at the junction of the choroid plexus
epithelium and the presumptive hippocampus, the cortical hem is positioned to provide
signaling information to pattern the dorsal telencephalon. We sought to characterize the
hem in the chick telencephalon. A chick model of the hem would greatly facilitate further
experimentation using explant cultures and retroviral infection.
Using in situ hybridization techniques, we have obtained data indicating the
presence of the cortical hem in chick. Though the precise molecules that may define the
chick cortical hem continue to elude us, PCR data suggest that Wnt genes are present in the medial wall of the telencephalon.
To examine the role of Bmps in the hem, we attempted to block Bmp activity by
expressing a dominant negative Bmp receptor using an avian retroviral vector. Though
initial results were inconclusive, control experiments have shed light on viral transfection
efficiency, the scope of viral infection after injection, and the overall feasibility of this
potentially powerful approach.
With honors.
With honors.
Description
v, 35 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.