Int. J. Dev. Biol. 49: 301 - 308 (2005)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.041953am

Vol 49, Issue 2-3

Special Issue: The Nogent Institute

Sclerotome development and morphogenesis: when experimental embryology meets genetics

Open Access | Published: 1 May 2005

Anne-Hélène Monsoro-Burq*

Institut Curie, Section Recherche, UMR 146, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France

Abstract

The vertebra develops from the ventral part of the somite, the sclerotome. Sclerotome progenitors are subject to multiple signaling molecules secreted by the adjacent tissues that control their fate. The aim of this article is to discuss the mechanisms of sclerotome induction, chondrogenesis and morphogenesis. By integrating the results from classical studies and recent molecular advances, this will illustrate how the powerful combination of experimental embryology and genetic approaches has recently illuminated the multiple steps of vertebra formation

Keywords

sclerotome, BMP, sonic hedgehog, Nkx3.2, Pax, Msx, Sox9