6 research outputs found
Analyzing negative feedback using a synthetic gene network expressed in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo
Structure of the Toll-Spatzle complex, a molecular hub in Drosophila development and innate immunity
Students’ Understanding of the Dynamic Nature of Genetics: Characterizing Undergraduates’ Explanations for Interaction between Genetics and Environment
Toddler: An Embryonic Signal That Promotes Cell Movement via Apelin Receptors
It has been assumed that most, if not all, signals regulating early development have been identified. Contrary to this expectation, we identified 28 candidate signaling proteins expressed during zebrafish embryogenesis, including Toddler, a short, conserved, and secreted peptide. Both absence and overproduction of Toddler reduce the movement of mesendodermal cells during zebrafish gastrulation. Local and ubiquitous production of Toddler promote cell movement, suggesting that Toddler is neither an attractant nor a repellent but acts globally as a motogen. Toddler drives internalization of G protein–coupled APJ/Apelin receptors, and activation of APJ/Apelin signaling rescues toddler mutants. These results indicate that Toddler is an activator of APJ/Apelin receptor signaling, promotes gastrulation movements, and might be the first in a series of uncharacterized developmental signals