Genetic Control of Branching Morphogenesis

The genetic programs that direct formation of the treelike branching structures of two animal organs have begun to be elucidated. In both the developing Drosophila tracheal (respiratory) system and mammalian lung, a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway is reiteratively used to pattern su...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1999-06, Vol.284 (5420), p.1635-1639
Main Authors: Metzger, Ross J., Krasnow, Mark A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Algorithms
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Body Patterning - genetics
Bronchi
Classical genetics, quantitative genetics, hybrids
Drosophila
Drosophila - anatomy & histology
Drosophila - embryology
Drosophila - genetics
Epithelium
Epithelium - metabolism
Fibroblast growth factors
Fibroblast Growth Factors - genetics
Fibroblast Growth Factors - physiology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Genes
Genetic aspects
Genetics
Genetics of eukaryotes. Biological and molecular evolution
Human organs
Insects
Larva - growth & development
Lung - anatomy & histology
Lung - embryology
Lungs
Mammals
Mesoderm - metabolism
Migration
Molecular genetics
Morphogenesis
Morphogenesis - genetics
Networks
Physiological aspects
Receptors
Respiratory system
Review
Signal Transduction
Sprouts
Trachea - anatomy & histology
Trachea - embryology
Vertebrata
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Summary:The genetic programs that direct formation of the treelike branching structures of two animal organs have begun to be elucidated. In both the developing Drosophila tracheal (respiratory) system and mammalian lung, a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway is reiteratively used to pattern successive rounds of branching. The initial pattern of signaling appears to be established by early, more global embryonic patterning systems. The FGF pathway is then modified at each stage of branching by genetic feedback controls and other signals to give distinct branching outcomes. The reiterative use of a signaling pathway by both insects and mammals suggests a general scheme for patterning branching morphogenesis.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.284.5420.1635