Endoderm development: from patterning to organogenesis

• Published in: Trends in Genetics 2000-03, Vol.16 (3), p.124-130
• Main Authors: Grapin-Botton, Anne, Melton, Douglas A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Adhesion; Cell Differentiation; Cell differentiation, maturation, development, hematopoiesis; Cell Lineage; Cell physiology; Chick Embryo; Digestive System - embryology; Embryonic Induction; Endocrine Glands - embryology; endoderm; Endoderm - physiology; Endotherm patterning; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Genes, Homeobox; Gut; Intestine; Molecular and cellular biology; Morphogenesis; Organogenesis; Pancreas; Stomach; Vertebrate development; Vertebrates - embryology; Xenopus laevis - embryology; Zebrafish - embryology
• ISSN: 0168-9525
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-9525(99)01957-5

Although the ectoderm and mesoderm have been the focus of intensive work in the recent era of studies on the molecular control of vertebrate development, the endoderm has received less attention. Because signaling must occur between germ layers in order to achieve a properly organized body, our understanding of the coordinated development of all organs requires a more thorough consideration of the endoderm and its derivatives. This review focuses on present knowledge and perspectives concerning endoderm patterning and organogenesis. Some of the classical embryology of the endoderm is discussed and the progress and deficiencies in cellular and molecular studies are noted.