Embryonic development and pattern formation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
During embryogenesis, information encoded in the genome is translated into cell proliferation, morphogenesis, and early stages of differentiation. Embryonic pattern arises from the spatial and temporal regulation and coordination of these events. The vitamin A (retinol) derivative retinoic acid (RA) is essential for normal development. Mammalian embryos are protected against vitamin A deficiency by maternal retinoid homeostasis until stored retinoids fall to very low levels. Retinol binding protein, which is synthesized in the yolk sac placenta of rodent embryos and in the syncytiotrophoblast of the human placenta, is essential for access of retinol to the embryo. Synthesis and metabolism of RA may involve cytoplasmic binding proteins, but the observation that mutants lacking these proteins are normal or near-normal suggests that they are not essential. Severe congenital vitamin A deficiency results in a spectrum of malformations including defects of the eye, lungs, cardiovascular system, and urogenital s...

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: