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Evidence that Hensen's node is a site of retinoic acid synthesis

Nature volume 359, pages 237–241 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

HENSEN'S node of amniotes, like the Spemann organizer of amphibians, can induce a second body axis when grafted into a host embryo1. The avian node, as well as several midline structures originating from it (notochord, floor plate), can also induce digit pattern duplications when grafted into the chick wing bud2,3. We report here that the equivalent of Hensen's node from mouse is an effective inducer of digits in the chick wing bud. Tissues anterior and posterior to the node also evoke pattern duplications, but with a significantly lower efficiency. The finding that the murine node operates in an avian wing bud suggests that the same inducing agent(s) function in both primary and secondary embryonic fields and have been conserved during vertebrate evolution. Digit pattern duplications are also evoked by local administration of all-trans-retinoic acid4,5. This similarity raises the possibility that Hensen's node is a source of retinoic acid. The mouse node is capable of synthesizing retinoic acid from its biosynthetic precursor all-trans-retinol at a substantially higher rate than either anterior or posterior tissues.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, 37232-2175, USA

    Brigid L. M. Hogan

  2. V. & M. McLean Department of Biochemistry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA

    Christina Thaller & Gregor Eichele

Authors
  1. Brigid L. M. Hogan
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  2. Christina Thaller
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  3. Gregor Eichele
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Hogan, B., Thaller, C. & Eichele, G. Evidence that Hensen's node is a site of retinoic acid synthesis. Nature 359, 237–241 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/359237a0

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