Bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway plays multiple roles during gastrointestinal tract development.

TitleBone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway plays multiple roles during gastrointestinal tract development.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsBarbara PDe Santa, Williams J, Goldstein AM, Doyle AM, Nielsen C, Winfield S, Faure S, Roberts DJ
JournalDev Dyn
Volume234
Issue2
Pagination312-22
Date Published2005 Oct
ISSN1058-8388
KeywordsAnimals, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Cell Differentiation, Chick Embryo, Ectoderm, Endoderm, Gastrointestinal Tract, Immunohistochemistry, In Situ Hybridization, In Situ Nick-End Labeling, Mesoderm, Models, Biological, Phosphorylation, Signal Transduction, Smad1 Protein, Smad5 Protein, Smad8 Protein
Abstract

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway plays an essential role during gastrointestinal (GI) tract development in vertebrates. In the present study, we use an antibody that recognizes the phosphorylated and activated form of Smad1, 5, and 8 to examine (by immunohistochemistry) the endogenous patterns of BMP signaling pathway activation in the developing GI tract. We show that the endogenous BMP signaling pathway is activated in the mesoderm, the endoderm, and the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the developing chick GI tract and is more widespread than BMP ligand expression patterns. Using an avian-specific retroviral misexpression technique to activate or inhibit BMP signaling pathway activity in the mesoderm of the gut, we show that BMP activity is required for the pattern, the development, and the differentiation of all three tissue types of the gut: mesoderm (that forms the visceral smooth muscle), endoderm (that forms the epithelium), and ectoderm (that forms the ENS). These results demonstrate that BMP signaling is activated in all the tissue layers of the GI tract during the development and plays a role during interactions and reciprocal communications of these tissue layers.

DOI10.1002/dvdy.20554
Alternate JournalDev. Dyn.
PubMed ID16110505
Grant ListHSCR34448 / HS / AHRQ HHS / United States