ISSN:
1432-041X
Keywords:
Activin A
;
Erythroid differentiation factor
;
Mesoderm induction
;
Gradient
;
Amphibians
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Human recombinant activin A, which is identical with erythroid differentiation factor (EDF), was tested for its mesoderm-inducing activity in concentrations from 0.3–50 ng/ml, using ectoderm of Xenopus late blastula (Stage 9) as the responding tissue. At a low concentration of activin A, blood-like cells, mesenchyme, and coelomic epithelium were induced; at a moderate concentration muscle and neural tissue, and at a high concentration notochord. Activin A thus induced all mesodermal tissues in a dose-dependent manner, such that a low dose induced ventral structures and a high dose induced dorsal structures. Activin may act as an intrinsic inducing molecule responsible for establishing the dorso-ventral axis in early Xenopus development.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00361342
