MyoD-positive epiblast cells regulate skeletal muscle differentiation in the embryo

J Cell Biol. 2006 Oct 23;175(2):283-92. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200605037.

Abstract

MyoD mRNA is expressed in a subpopulation of cells within the embryonic epiblast. Most of these cells are incorporated into somites and synthesize Noggin. Ablation of MyoD-positive cells in the epiblast subsequently results in the herniation of organs through the ventral body wall, a decrease in the expression of Noggin, MyoD, Myf5, and myosin in the somites and limbs, and an increase in Pax-3-positive myogenic precursors. The addition of Noggin lateral to the somites compensates for the loss of MyoD-positive epiblast cells. Skeletal muscle stem cells that arise in the epiblast are utilized in the somites to promote muscle differentiation by serving as a source of Noggin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Chick Embryo
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian*
  • Epithelium / anatomy & histology
  • Epithelium / physiology*
  • Extremities
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Morphogenesis
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / embryology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • MyoD Protein / genetics
  • MyoD Protein / physiology*
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5 / metabolism
  • Myosins / metabolism
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Somites / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / chemistry
  • Stem Cells / cytology

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • MyoD Protein
  • Myogenic Regulatory Factor 5
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors
  • noggin protein
  • Myosins