The Vg1-related protein Gdf3 acts in a Nodal signaling pathway in the pre-gastrulation mouse embryo

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.02210
• Publication Date: 2005-12-20T21:23:03Z
• Authors: Canhe Chen; Stephanie M. Ware; Akira Sato; Dianne E. Houston...; Raymond Habas; Martin M. Matzuk; Michael M. Shen; Chester W. Brown
• Keywords: Nodal signaling; Epiblast; Germ layer

The formation of the anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) in pre-gastrulation mouse embryo represents a crucial event patterning anterior-posterior axis. Here, we show that transforming growth factor beta (Tgfbeta) family member Gdf3 (growth-differentiation 3), close relative Xenopus Vg1, resembles Tgfbeta ligand Nodal both its signaling activity and role AVE vivo. Thus, cell culture, requires EGF-CFC co-receptor Cripto can be inhibited by Lefty antagonists. In embryos, misexpression results secondary axis formation, induces morphogenetic elongation mesendoderm animal caps. is expressed inner mass epiblast, null mutants frequently exhibit abnormal or positioning AVE. This phenotype correlates with defects mesoderm definitive as well expression levels. Our findings indicate acts Nodal-like pathway development, provide evidence for functional conservation Vg1 mice.