Xenbase Image ID: 73903

Fig.2. Crescent regulates BMP signaling. (A,B) Microinjection of crescent mRNA expands the expression of chordin, a gene that is negatively regulated by BMP signaling. (C) Diagram showing a control crescent mRNA containing wobble position mutations is no longer targeted by Crescent MO. (D–G) Crescent MO greatly expands expression of the ventral (high-BMP) marker sizzled, while crescentWobble mRNA reduces Sizzled expression and rescues the effects of Crescent MO. (H–K) Knockdown of Crescent increases the transcript levels of BMP induced genes (Xlr, BMP4, Vent-1), while reducing the levels of chordin, a gene repressed by BMP signaling. (L–O) chordin mRNA expression is reduced by Crescent MO or Sizzled MO. Note that simultaneous depletion of both sFRPs causes a synergistic ventralizing effect, greatly reducing chordin transcripts at early gastrula. (P) Model in which the BMP gradient is represented by a see-saw in which dorsal and ventral inhibitors of Tolloid metalloproteinases adjust the D–V gradient through the proteolytic degradation of Chordin. Blue arrows symbolize transcriptional regulation by BMPs, black arrows indicate direct protein–protein interactions. Image published in: Ploper D et al. (2011) Copyright © 2011. Image reproduced with permission of the Publisher, Elsevier B. V. Larger Image Printer Friendly View

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