A matter of time: Formation and interpretation of the Bicoid morphogen gradient.

Current Topics in Developmental Biology
Anqi Huang, Timothy E Saunders

Abstract

Spatially distributed signaling molecules, known as morphogens, provide spatial information during development. A host of different morphogens have now been identified, from subcellular gradients through to morphogens that act across a whole embryo. These gradients form over a wide-range of timescales, from seconds to hours, and their time windows for interpretation are also highly variable; the processes of morphogen gradient formation and interpretation are highly dynamic. The morphogen Bicoid (Bcd), present in the early Drosophila embryo, is essential for setting up the future Drosophila body segments. Due to its accessibility for both genetic perturbations and imaging, this system has provided key insights into how precise patterning can occur within a highly dynamic system. Here, we review the temporal scales of Bcd gradient formation and interpretation. In particular, we discuss the quantitative evidence for different models of Bcd gradient formation, outline the time windows for Bcd interpretation, and describe how Bcd temporally adapts its own ability to be interpreted. The utilization of temporal information in morphogen readout may provide crucial inputs to ensure precise spatial patterning, particularly in rapidly de...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 7, 2020·Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology·O Hamant, T E Saunders
Aug 22, 2020·Annual Review of Entomology·Christen K MirthChristopher Amourda
Jan 22, 2021·Development·Jihyun Irizarry, Angelike Stathopoulos
Jun 5, 2021·Biophysical Journal·Prabhat TiwariTimothy E Saunders
Jul 24, 2021·Cells & Development·Timothy E Saunders

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