Position matters: Variability in the spatial pattern of BMP modulators generates functional diversity

Abstract

Summary: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) perform a variety of functions during development. Considering a single BMP, what enables its multiple roles in tissues of varied sizes and shapes? What regulates the spatial distribution and activity patterns of the BMP in these different developmental contexts? Some BMP functions require controlling spread of the BMP morphogen, while others require formation of localized, high concentration peaks of BMP activity. Here we review work in Drosophila that describes spatial regulation of the BMP encoded by decapentaplegic (dpp) in different developmental contexts. We concentrate on extracellular modulation of BMP function and discuss the mechanisms that generate concentrated peaks of Dpp activity, subdivide territories of different activity levels or regulate spread of the Dpp morphogen from a point source. We compare these findings with data from vertebrates and non-model organisms to discuss how changes in the regulation of Dpp distribution by extracellular modulators may lead to variability in dpp function in different species. genesis 49:698-718, 2011. V V C 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide stimulates BMP-2 expression and the differentiation of human osteoblast-like cells in vitro

“…BMP signaling is involved in the maturation of stem cells into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes [33] and plays essential roles in early vertebrate embryogenesis events including limb development [34] , stimulation of collagen synthesis [35] , alkaline phosphatase activity [36] , osteocalcin expression in chondroblasts/osteoblasts and other unrelated bone formation processes. A number of studies have confirmed that activation of osteoblastic CGRP receptors results in enhanced www.chinaphar.com Tian G et al Acta Pharmacologica Sinica npg osteoblast proliferation [8] , and CGRP also increases the synthesis of growth factors and cytokines [including IGF-1 (insulinlike growth factor)], collagen synthesis and bone formation in vivo [1] .…”

BMP gradients: A paradigm for morphogen-mediated developmental patterning

“…In the dorsal epidermis, Dpp, the metalloproteinase Tolloid (Tld), and a cofactor Twisted gastrulation (Tsg) are produced. BMP receptor subunits, Mad, Medea, Shn, and Scw are ubiquitously expressed, although some of these factors are up-regulated in specific patterns [reviewed in (14)(15)(16)(17)]. Dpp and Sog play key roles within their respective domains of expression to stabilize epidermal versus neuroectodermal cell fates, respectively, and also to diffuse into adjacent domains to form gradients that influence patterning therein.…”

The embryogenesis of the Tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: The establishment of a new chelicerate model system

“…In insects, the initial cues required to determine the anteroposterior (AP) and dorsoventral (DV) axes are established during oogenesis. In the fruit fly D. melanogaster and the beetle Tribolium castaneum, the DV axis is established through maternal interactions among the epidermal growth factor, Toll and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathways (Araujo et al, 2011;Lynch and Roth, 2011;Lynch et al, 2010). In contrast, the AP and DV axes in spiders are established by zygotic gene interactions followed by the migration of the cumulus, a specialized group of cells (Akiyama- Oda, 2006, 2010;Campos-Ortega and Hartenstein, 1985).…”