Int. J. Dev. Biol. 53: 707 - 716 (2009)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.072495ip

Vol 53, Issue 5-6

Special Issue: Pattern Formation

Genomic control of patterning

Review | Published: 5 March 2009

Isabelle S. Peter and Eric H. Davidson

Division of Biology 156-29, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA

Abstract

The development of multicellular organisms involves the partitioning of the organism into territories of cells of specific structure and function. The information for spatial patterning processes is directly encoded in the genome. The genome determines its own usage depending on stage and position, by means of interactions that constitute gene regulatory networks (GRNs). The GRN driving endomesoderm development in sea urchin embryos illustrates different regulatory strategies by which developmental programs are initiated, orchestrated, stabilized or excluded to define the pattern of specified territories in the developing embryo.

Keywords

gene regulatory network, cis-regulatory module, network subcircuit, sea urchin, development