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Figure 9 | Neural Development

Figure 9

From: Inductive specification and axonal orientation of spinal neurons mediated by divergent bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways

Figure 9

Model of divergent BMP signaling pathways controlling transcriptional and cytoskeletal responses. The distinct responses of dI neurons to BMP7 (neural induction and axon orientation) occur through independent pathways. The neural specification pathway, activated by both BMP7 and BMP6, at 'high' concentrations, leads to stimulation of the Smad cascade and induction of target genes. This signaling pathway requires the kinase activity of type I BMP receptors but appears not to depend on specific type II BMP receptors. The chemotropic response of dI neurons, axon orientation and growth cone collapse, is evoked by BMP7 but not BMP6, is activated at low concentrations of agonist and is not dependent on type I BMP receptor activity. Rather, this path involves PI3K-dependent signaling mechanisms and may be initiated through recruitment of a specific type II receptor pair selectively by BMP7.

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Neural Development

ISSN: 1749-8104