Abstract
Activin, Nodal, and Vg1, members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, transduce signal through type I receptors ALK4 or ALK7 and play important roles in mesoderm induction and patterning during vertebrate embryogenesis. However, the timing and magnitude of the ALK4/ALK7-mediated maternal TGFβ signals are not clear. SB-431542 is identified as an inhibitor of the ALK4/ALK5/ALK7-mediated TGFβ signals and its specificity in vertebrate embryos has not been reported. We demonstrate that SB-431542 is able to specifically and reproducibly block the Smad2/3-mediated TGFβ signals in zebrafish embryo. Embryos exposed to SB-431542 exhibit various defects phenocopying Nodal-deficient mutants. SB-431542 treatments starting at different cell cycles before the midblastula transition lead to different degrees of developmental defects in mesoderm induction and patterning, suggesting that maternal TGFβ signals are activated right after fertilization and required for mesoderm formation and patterning.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
