Xenbase Image ID: 172694

Fig. 9. Model of PFKFB4-controlled AKT signaling in NC maturation, EMT and migration. During neurulation, in controls (left side), NC is induced at the neural plate stage with weak snail2 expression. This induction is then strengthened during neural fold stage, under the action of the NC-GRN, which notably activates pfkfb4 expression in NC progenitors. This second phase allows acquisition of cellular ability to undergo EMT and migration upon neural tube closure. When AKT signaling is defective (right side), either after PFKFB4 low-level depletion, or using pharmacological inhibitors, delays in NC specification cascade occur, incomplete maturation is observed, and NC fails to undergo EMT. When PFKFB4 and AKT functions are prevented after EMT, fewer NCCs migrate resulting into reduced craniofacial skeletal elements. Hence, each step of NCearly development relies upon continuous and elevated AKT signaling, sustained by PFKFB4, itself triggered by the NC-GRN. Image published in: Figueiredo AL et al. (2017) Copyright © 2017. Image reproduced with permission of the publisher and the copyright holder. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. Larger Image Printer Friendly View

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