Abstract
The specification of a subset of epiblast cells to acquire a neural fate constitutes the first step in the generation of the nervous system. Little is known about the signals required for neural induction in the mouse. We have analysed the role of BMP signalling in this process. We demonstrate that prior to gastrulation, Bmp2/4 signalling via Bmpr1a maintains epiblast pluripotency and prevents precocious neural differentiation of this tissue, at least in part by maintaining Nodal signalling. We find that during gastrulation, BMPs of the 60A subgroup cooperate with Bmp2/4 to maintain pluripotency. The inhibition of neural fate by BMPs is independent of FGF signalling, as inhibition of FGF signalling between 5.5 and 7.5 days post-coitum does not block neural differentiation in the mouse embryo. Together, our results demonstrate that inhibition of BMP signalling has a central role during neural induction in mammals and suggest that FGFs do not act as neural inducers in the post-implantation mouse embryo.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I / genetics
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I / physiology*
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Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / metabolism*
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Cell Differentiation* / genetics
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Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
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Embryonic Development
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Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Nervous System / cytology
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Nervous System / embryology*
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Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
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Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
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Signal Transduction
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
Substances
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Bmp2 protein, mouse
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Bmp4 protein, mouse
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7
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Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
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Transforming Growth Factor beta
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Fibroblast Growth Factors
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Bmpr1a protein, mouse
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I