Abstract
The vertebrate body plan has bilateral symmetry and left-right asymmetries that are highly conserved. The molecular pathways for left-right development are beginning to be elucidated. Several distinct mechanisms to initiate the vertebrate left-right axis have been proposed. These mechanisms appear to converge on highly conserved expression patterns of genes in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) family of cell-cell signaling factors, nodal and lefty-2, and subsequently the expression of the transcription regulator Pitx2, in left lateral plate mesoderm. It is possible that downstream signaling pathways diverge in distinct classes of vertebrates.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Body Patterning / genetics*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
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Embryo, Mammalian / embryology*
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Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
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Embryo, Nonmammalian*
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Functional Laterality / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
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Homeobox Protein PITX2
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Nuclear Proteins*
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Paired Box Transcription Factors
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Nuclear Proteins
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Paired Box Transcription Factors
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Transcription Factors
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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homeobox protein PITX1
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homeobox protein PITX3