Role of Delta-like-3 in mammalian somitogenesis and vertebral column formation

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2008:638:95-112. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-09606-3_5.

Abstract

Somitogenesis is a term that encompasses somite formation, patterning and differentiation and it is a process that is fundamental to the formation of the axial skeleton in vertebrates. Notch signalling is a mechanism used to specify cell fate in many different contexts, with signalling occurring between cells in contact. Notch signalling is fundamental to the formation and patterning of somites and importantly a ligand of Notch, is mutated in the abnormal vertebral segmentation syndrome spondylocostal dysostosis. Here we discuss what is known about the expression and function of this ligand, Delta-like-3, during somitogenesis and vertebral column formation in mouse and humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / genetics
  • Animals
  • Body Patterning
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Glycosylation
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / genetics
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Phylogeny
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Somites / embryology*
  • Somites / metabolism*
  • Spine / embryology*
  • Spine / metabolism*

Substances

  • DLL3 protein, human
  • Dll3 protein, mouse
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Receptors, Notch

Supplementary concepts

  • Jarcho-Levin syndrome