Neurulation and BMP Signaling

These flashcards cover essential concepts of neurulation, BMP signaling, and related embryonic development topics important for exam preparation.

What is neurulation?

The process of going from a flat sheet of cells to the formation of a tube, specifically the neural tube.

What does the ectodermal derivative surface ectoderm include?

It includes the epidermis, hair, nails, sebaceous glands, olfactory epithelium, lens and cornea, and mouth epithelium.

What are neural crest cells responsible for?

They give rise to facial cartilage, dentine, pigmented cells, adrenal medulla, and the peripheral nervous system.

What role does BMP signaling play in neurulation?

BMP regulates cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation during the development of the neural plate.

What is the function of Noggin in BMP signaling?

Noggin is a secreted protein that inhibits BMP by sequestering it, preventing it from interacting with its receptors.

What are the three types of hedgehog signaling in vertebrates?

1. Desert Hedgehog (Dhh) - in Sertoli cells for spermogenesis; 2. Indian Hedgehog (Ihh) - in the gut and cartilage for bone growth; 3. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) - for specifying motor neurons and vertebrae formation.

What effect does low BMP have on neural plate identity?

Low BMP is crucial for establishing neural plate identity and allowing cells to express Sox transcription factors.

What happens during the fusion of neural folds?

The fusion creates the neural tube from the ectoderm, which is lined with neural crest cells.

What occurs due to a mutation in Noggin?

A Noggin mutation or knock-out can result in incomplete fusion of the neural tube and improper formation at the dorsal and ventral points.

How does sonic hedgehog define the formation of the medial hinge during neurulation?

Sonic hedgehog signaling inhibits noggin expression in the hinge area, leading to the necessary conditions for medial hinge formation.