The Dependence of the Cellular Transformation of the Competent Ectoderm on Temporal Relationships in the Induction Process

Development ◽  
1958 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-485
Author(s):  
Sulo Toivonen
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Early Development ◽  
Cellular Transformation ◽  
Neural Plate ◽  
Amphibian Embryo ◽  
Temporal Relationships ◽  
Induction Process ◽  
New Hypothesis

In 1952, Nieuwkoop et al. suggested a new hypothesis concerning the induction phenomenon determining the early development of the amphibian embryo. This hypothesis was based on cleverly planned experiments in which folds of competent epidermis were transplanted on to different regions of the neural plate of the neurula. According to this hypothesis, the invaginating archenteron roof is supposed first to activate the overlying ectoderm, enabling it to develop autonomously to archencephalon and its derivatives. This same archenteron roof is later thought to exert a second effect, which they called transformation. This second action is considered responsible for modifying the differentiation tendencies of the activated archencephalon so as to result in structures typical of more caudal regions of the nervous system. This process is regarded as a quantitative one, so that with increasing strength of transformation, the differentiation tendencies would be progressively more caudal.

Integrin alpha 6 expression is required for early nervous system development in Xenopus laevis

Development ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 122 (8) ◽  
pp. 2539-2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.E. Lallier ◽  
C.A. Whittaker ◽  
D.W. DeSimone
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Early Development ◽  
System Development ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Neural Plate ◽  
Pronephric Duct ◽  
Axial Defects ◽  
Integrin Alpha 6

The integrin alpha 6 subunit pairs with both the beta 1 and beta 4 subunits to form a subfamily of laminin receptors. Here we report the cDNA cloning and primary sequence for the Xenopus homologue of the mammalian integrin alpha 6 subunit. We present data demonstrating the spatial and temporal expression of alpha 6 mRNA and protein during early development. Initially, alpha 6 transcripts are expressed in the dorsal ectoderm and future neural plate at the end of gastrulation. Later in development, alpha 6 mRNAs are expressed in a variety of neural derivatives, including the developing sensory placodes (otic and olfactory) and commissural neurons within the neural tube. Integrin alpha 6 is also expressed in the elongating pronephric duct as well as a subset of the rhombencephalic neural crest, which will form the Schwann cells lining several cranial nerves (VII, VIII and X). In vivo expression of an alpha 6 antisense transcript in the animal hemisphere leads to a reduction in alpha 6 protein expression, a loss of adhesion to laminin, and severe defects in normal development. In 35% of cases, reduced levels of alpha 6 expression result in embryos that complete gastrulation normally but arrest at neurulation prior to the formation of the neural plate. In an additional 22% of cases, embryos develop with severe axial defects, including complete loss of head or tail structures. In contrast, overexpression of the alpha 6 subunit by injection of full-length mRNA has no apparent effect on embryonic development. Co-injection of antisense and sense plasmid constructs results in a partial rescue of the antisense-generated phenotypes. These data indicate that the integrin alpha 6 subunit is critical for the early development of the nervous system in amphibians.

Mechanical evaluation of theories of neurulation using computer simulations

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 1013-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Clausi ◽  
G. W. Brodland
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Shape Change ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Neural Plate ◽  
Neural Tube Closure ◽  
Amphibian Embryo ◽  
Axial Elongation ◽  
Shape Changes

Current theories about the forces that drive neurulation shape changes are evaluated using computer simulations. Custom, three-dimensional, finite element-based computer software is used. The software draws on current engineering concepts and makes it possible to construct a ‘virtual’ embryo with any user-specified mechanical properties. To test a specific hypothesis about the forces that drive neurulation, the whole virtual embryo or any selected part of it is ascribed with the force generators specified in the hypothesis. The shape changes that are produced by these forces are then observed and compared with experimental data. The simulations demonstrate that, when uniform, isotropic circumferential microfilament bundle (CMB) constriction and cephalocaudal (axial) elongation act together on a circular virtual neural plate, it becomes keyhole shaped. When these forces act on a spherical (amphibian) embryo, dorsal surface flattening occurs. Simulations of transverse sections further show that CMB constriction, acting with or without axial elongation, can produce numerous salient transverse features of neurulation. These features include the sequential formation of distinct neural ridges, narrowing and thickening of the neural plate, skewing just medial to the ridges, ‘hinge’ formation and neural tube closure. No region-specific ‘programs’ or non-mechanical cell-cell communications are used. The increase in complexity results entirely from mechanical interactions. The transverse simulations show how changes to the driving forces would affect the patterns of shape change produced. Hypotheses regarding force generation by microtubules, intercellular adhesions and forces extrinsic to the neural plate are also evaluated. The simulations show that these force-generating mechanisms do not, by themselves, produce shape changes that are consistent with normal development. The simulations support the concept of cooperation of forces and suggest that neurulation is robust because redundant force generating mechanisms exist.

Neurodevelopment

2020 ◽  
pp. 91-100
Author(s):  
Karl Zilles ◽  
Nicola Palomero-Gallagher
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Plate ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Specialized Region ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Rostral Part ◽  
Human Nervous System

The pre- and post-natal development of the human nervous system is briefly described, with special emphasis on the brain, particularly the cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The central nervous system originates from a specialized region of the ectoderm—the neural plate—which develops into the neural tube. The rostral part of the neural tube forms the adult brain, whereas the caudal part (behind the fifth somite) differentiates into the spinal cord. The embryonic brain has three vesicular enlargements: the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The histogenesis of the spinal cord, hindbrain, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex, including myelination, is discussed. The chapter closes with a description of the development of the hemispheric shape and the formation of gyri.

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