An early marker of axial pattern in the chick embryo and its respecification by retinoic acid

• Published in: Development (Cambridge) Vol. 114; no. 4; pp. 841 - 852
• Main Authors: SUNDIN, O, EICHELE, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge The Company of Biologists Limited 01-04-1992; Company of Biologists
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Chick Embryo; Early stages. Segmentation. Gastrulation. Neurulation; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gastrula - cytology; Gastrula - physiology; Gene Expression; Genes, Homeobox - genetics; Genetic Markers; Immunohistochemistry; Morphogenesis - drug effects; Morphogenesis - genetics; Tretinoin - pharmacology; Immunohistochemistry; Embryonic development; Embryo; Biological marker; Retinoids; Gene expression; Axial symmetry; Morphogenesis; Vertebrata; Gastrula; Early; Chicken; Teratogen; Aves; Retinoic acid; Homeobox sequence
• ISSN: 0950-1991; 1477-9129
• DOI: 10.1242/dev.114.4.841

Chick Ghox 2.9 protein, a homeodomain-containing polypeptide, is first detected in the mid-gastrula stage embryo and its levels increase rapidly in the late gastrula. At this time, the initially narrow band of expression along the primitive streak expands laterally to form a shield-like domain that encompasses almost the entire posterior region of the embryo and extends anteriorly as far as Hensen's node. We have found that this expression domain co-localizes with a morphological feature that consists of a stratum of refractile, thickened mesoderm. Antibody-staining indicates that Ghox 2.9 protein is present in all cells of this mesodermal region. In contrast, expression within the ectoderm overlying the region of refractile mesoderm varies considerably. The highest levels of expression are found in ectoderm near the streak and surrounding Hensen's node, regions that recent fate mapping studies suggest that primarily destined to give rise to neurectoderm. At the definitive streak stage (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 4) the chick embryo is especially sensitive to the induction of axial malformations by retinoic acid. Four hours after the treatment of definitive streak embryos with a pulse of retinoic acid the expression of Ghox 2.9 protein is greatly elevated. This ectopic expression occurs in tissues anterior to Hensen's node, including floor plate, notochord, presumptive neural plate and lateral plate mesoderm, but does not occur in the anteriormost region of the embryo. The ectopic induction of Ghox 2.9 is strongest in ectoderm, and weaker in the underlying mesoderm. Endoderm throughout the embryo is unresponsive. At stage 11, Ghox 2.9 is normally expressed at high levels within rhombomere 4 of the developing hindbrain. In retinoic-acid-treated embryos which have developed to this stage, typical rhombomere boundaries are largely absent. Nevertheless, Ghox 2.9 is still expressed as a discrete band, but one that is widened and displaced to a more anterior position.