Int. J. Dev. Biol. 49: 181 - 191 (2005)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.041962jc

Vol 49, Issue 2-3

Special Issue: The Nogent Institute

Cellular dynamics and molecular control of the development of organizer-derived cells in quail-chick chimeras

Published: 1 May 2005

Jean-Baptiste Charrier¹, Martin Catala², Françoise Lapointe¹, Nicole Le Douarin¹ and Marie-Aimée Teillet*

¹Laboratoire d'Embryologie Cellulaire et Moléculaire, CNRS et Collège-de-France, Nogent-sur-Marne, France and ²Laboratoire d'Histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, Faculté de Médecine, Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Paris VI, Paris, France

Abstract

Malformations affecting the nervous system in humans are numerous and various in etiology. Many are due to genetic deficiencies or mechanical accidents occurring at early stages of development. It is thus of interest to reproduce such human malformations in animal models. The avian embryo is particularly suitable for researching the role of morphogenetic movements and genetic signaling during early neurogenesis. The last ten years of research with Nicole Le Douarin in the Nogent Institut have brought answers to questions formulated by Etienne Wolff at the beginning of his career, by showing that Hensen's node, the avian organizer, is at the source of all the midline cells of the embryo and ensures cell survival, growth and differentiation of neural and mesodermal tissues.

Keywords

neurulation, Hensen's node, floor plate, quail-chick chimera, caudal dysplasia