Pattern Formation, Antero-Posterior (AP) and Dorso-Ventral (DV) Axes Formation
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Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page. |
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Contents
- 1 Preknowledge, Objectives and Competencies
- 2 Preknowledge
- 3 Competencies
- 4 Activities and Reading Material
- 5 Reading
- 6 Assignments
- 7 Assignment
- 8 Question
- 9 Question
- 10 Question
- 11 Question
- 12 Question
- 13 Question
- 14 Question
- 15 Question
- 16 Additional study material
- 17 Media
- 18 Web Resources
- 19 Related Content
Preknowledge, Objectives and Competencies
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In this unit we will build on prior knowledge to construct a detailed image of how the antero-posterior (AP) and dorso-ventral (DV) axes are specified. We will examine the roles that the embryonic mesoderm and the embryonic organisers play in this process. We will also examine how morphogens, and other signalling processes direct the differentiation of the nervous system. We will also examine how these processes differ in the spinal cord, hindbrain, mesencephalon and telencephalon. |
At the end of this unit you should be able to:
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Activities and Reading Material
| During class, we will look at the process by which the the AP axis is established. We will examine the role of morphogens and their gradients in establishing developmental axes. We will also examine the interaction of the neural plate and underlying mesoderm that determine the AP identity of different parts of the neural tube. We will use the knowledge gained to discuss the concepts of 'head' and 'trunk' and discuss the idea of segmentation in the spinal cord and hindbrain. We will use the tables provided in the lecture notes to summarise the origin and roles of different genes and molecules during the processes examined in lecture.
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- Purves et al Chapter 22 (pp 547-562)
- Jacobsen Chapter 4
Assignments
| After class, you are expected to review your notes and use the assigned reading material to complete a descriptive table of the different genes and molecules involved in the AP and DV patterning of the nervous system. You are expected to contribute to the questions and definitions sections below. Please use the discussion page if you want to discuss any particular topic on the material. You are also welcome to add links to videos or audio files in the Media box or links to online resources in the Web Resources box below. |
Questions
| Would you consider the spinal cord to be a segmented structure? Explain your rationale. |
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| Would you consider the forebrain to be a segmented structure? Explain your rationale. |
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| What congenital defects would you expect to see following mutations of the genes covered in class? |
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| Look up the synthetic pathway for retinoic acid. How would you expect diet/behaviour to affect the developmental processes covered in this Unit? |
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| Can you find examples of medical conditions associated with deficiencies/mutations of any of the factors mentioned in this unit? |
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Definitions
You should be able to provide structural and functional definitions for the structures associated with this topic:
(Chordamesoderm, Prechordal mesoderm, Head Organizer, Tail Organizer, Isthmic Organizer, Spemann's Organizer, Rhombomeres, Anterior Visceral Ectoderm (AVE)).
| Chordamesoderm: |
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| Prechordal Mesoderm: |
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| Head Organizer: |
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| Tail Organizer: |
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| Isthmic Organizer: |
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| Spemann's Organizer: |
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| Rhombomeres: |
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| Anterior Visceral Ectoderm: |
Enter your definition here
| Genes and molecules: Fill in the table. |
Please visit the table in Unit 3 and fill in the new roles of genes/molecules discussed in this Unit.
| Molecule/Gene | Produced by/in | Acts on | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHH | |||
| Otx2 | |||
| Hox | |||
| Retinoic Acid | |||
| GBx2 | |||
| Mesx1 |
Additional study material
Add Links to media resources here
Add Links to Web Resources here
Related Content
Go back to the introductory page, return to Unit 3: Formation, Organization and Morphogenesis of the Neural Plate or continue with Unit 5: The Neural Crest.
