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Notch destabilises maternal β-catenin and restricts dorsal-anterior development in Xenopus

Authors: 
Acosta H, López SL, Revinski DR, Carrasco AE
Citation: 
Development. 2011 June 15;138:2567-79. doi: 10.1242/dev.061143
Abstract: 
The blastula chordin- and noggin-expressing centre (BCNE) is the predecessor of the Spemann-Mangold's organiser and also contains the precursors of the brain. This signalling centre comprises animal-dorsal and marginal-dorsal cells and appears as a consequence of the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin on the dorsal side. Here, we propose a role for Notch that was not previously explored during early development in vertebrates. Notch initially destabilises β-catenin in a process that does not depend on its phosphorylation by GSK3. This is important to restrict the BCNE to its normal extent and to control the size of the brain.
Organism or Cell Type: 
Xenopus
Delivery Method: 
Microinjection