The establishment of the left-right axis is critical for the placement, morphogenesis and function of internal organs. Left-right specification is proposed to be dependent on cilia-driven fluid flow in the embryonic node. Planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling is critical for patterning of nodal cilia, yet downstream effectors driving this process remain elusive. We have examined the role of the JNK gene family, a proposed downstream component of PCP signalling, in the development and function of the zebrafish node. We show jnk1 and jnk2 specify length of nodal cilia, generate flow in the node and restrict Nodal to the left lateral plate mesoderm. Moreover, loss of asymmetric Nodal expression does not result in disturbances to asymmetric organ placement, supporting a model that nodal flow may be dispensable for organ laterality. Later, jnk3 is required to restrict pitx2c expression to the left side and permit correct endodermal organ placement. This work uncovers multiple roles for the JNK gene family acting at different points during left-right axis establishment. It highlights extensive redundancy and indicates JNK activity is distinct from the PCP signalling pathway.
Sequential action of jnk genes establishes the embryonic left-right axis
Authors who contributed equally to the work
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): British Heart Foundation
- Award Id(s): PG/15/58/31611
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Christopher J. Derrick, Adrian Santos-Ledo, Lorraine Eley, Deborah J. Henderson, Bill Chaudhry; Sequential action of jnk genes establishes the embryonic left-right axis. Development 2022; dev.200136. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.200136
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