Large-Scale Clonal Analysis Reveals Unexpected Complexity in Surface Ectoderm Morphogenesis
2009

Understanding Surface Ectoderm Morphogenesis in Mouse Embryos

Sample size: 4248 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Petit Anne-Cécile, Nicolas Jean-François

Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

Hypothesis

How do morphogenetic processes contribute to the formation of the surface ectoderm in mouse embryos?

Conclusion

The study reveals that surface ectoderm formation involves a complex organization of precursor cells that are not equivalent, indicating a sophisticated control of morphogenesis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Surface ectoderm formation starts with a pool of founder cells organized along the dorso-ventral axis.
  • Each region of the surface ectoderm uses different cell behaviors for elongation.
  • Founder cells contribute specifically to the head and tail regions, indicating a complex organization.

Takeaway

This study shows how cells in mouse embryos work together in a special way to form the outer layer of the skin, which is important for the embryo's shape.

Methodology

The study combined two genetic methods of clonal analysis to track cell behaviors and movements during the formation of the surface ectoderm.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the interpretation of clonal analysis results due to the complexity of cell behaviors.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on mouse embryos, which may not fully represent other species.

Participant Demographics

Mouse embryos at various developmental stages from E6.5 to E14.5.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004353

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