Fibroblast growth factor regulates early mesoderm and neural development in chick embryo through its action on brachyury, goosecoid, ERNI and noggin

摘要

We have analysed the molecular mechanism of action of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the development of mesodermal and neural structures in chick embryo. Experimentally altered levels of FGF signalling were found to differentially modulate expression of brachyury, goosecoid, ERNI and noggin, genes implicated in mesodermal and neural development. These effects became evident within 2 h and persisted for 6 h post-treatment, with either exogenous FGF or FGF inhibitor. Significantly, changes in gene expression correlate well with the abnormal mesodermal and neural phenotypes observed after 22 h. Thus FGF seems to regulate the development of mesodermal and neural structures in early chick embryo through its action on specific genes.