Programmed cell death during amphibian metamorphosis

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2005 Apr;16(2):271-80. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2004.12.006. Epub 2005 Jan 11.

Abstract

The death of different types of cells occurs in regressing or remodeling organs to transform from a tadpole to a frog in both temporally and spatially regulated manners during amphibian metamorphosis. This morphological change is drastic and visible with the naked eye. This review summarizes our current understanding of the basic mechanism of the cell death during the metamorphosis. It focuses in particular on the tail resorption and the remodeling of intestine and skin where programmed cell death is executed by thyroid hormone-signaling through the cell-autonomous response (suicide) and the degradation of the extracellular matrix (murder).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Intestines / growth & development
  • Intestines / physiology
  • Larva / genetics
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Skin / growth & development
  • Tail / growth & development*
  • Tail / physiology
  • Thyroid Hormones / physiology
  • Up-Regulation
  • Xenopus laevis

Substances

  • Thyroid Hormones