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Formation of the BMP activity gradient in the Drosophila embryo.

ABSTRACT: The dorsoventral axis of the Drosophila embryo is patterned by a gradient of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands. In a process requiring at least three additional extracellular proteins, a broad domain of weak signaling forms and then abruptly sharpens into a narrow dorsal midline peak. Using experimental and computational approaches, we investigate how the interactions of a multiprotein network create the unusual shape and dynamics of formation of this gradient. Starting from observations suggesting that receptor-mediated BMP degradation is an important driving force in gradient dynamics, we develop a general model that is capable of capturing both subtle aspects of gradient behavior and a level of robustness that agrees with in vivo results.

SUBMITTER: Mizutani CM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1829168 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Formation of the BMP activity gradient in the Drosophila embryo.

Mizutani Claudia Mieko CM Nie Qing Q Wan Frederic Y M FY Zhang Yong-Tao YT Vilmos Peter P Sousa-Neves Rui R Bier Ethan E Marsh J Lawrence JL Lander Arthur D AD

Developmental cell 20050601 6

The dorsoventral axis of the Drosophila embryo is patterned by a gradient of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands. In a process requiring at least three additional extracellular proteins, a broad domain of weak signaling forms and then abruptly sharpens into a narrow dorsal midline peak. Using experimental and computational approaches, we investigate how the interactions of a multiprotein network create the unusual shape and dynamics of formation of this gradient. Starting from observations ...[more]

PMID: 15935780

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