Affiliation:
1. Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Consistent asymmetries between the left and right sides of animal bodies are common. For example, the internal organs of vertebrates are left-right (L-R) asymmetric in a stereotyped fashion. Other structures, such as the skeleton and muscles, are largely symmetric. This Review considers how symmetries and asymmetries form alongside each other within the embryo, and how they are then maintained during growth. I describe how asymmetric signals are generated in the embryo. Using the limbs and somites as major examples, I then address mechanisms for protecting symmetrically forming tissues from asymmetrically acting signals. These examples reveal that symmetry should not be considered as an inherent background state, but instead must be actively maintained throughout multiple phases of embryonic patterning and organismal growth.
Funder
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Donald E. and Delia B. Baxter Foundation
University of Oregon
Publisher
The Company of Biologists
Subject
Developmental Biology,Molecular Biology
Cited by
26 articles.
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