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Structure and function of the notochord: an essential organ for chordate development

2005; The Company of Biologists; Volume: 132; Issue: 11 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1242/dev.01812

1477-9129

Derek L. Stemple,

RNA Research and Splicing

The notochord is the defining structure of the chordates, and has essential roles in vertebrate development. It serves as a source of midline signals that pattern surrounding tissues and as a major skeletal element of the developing embryo. Genetic and embryological studies over the past decade have informed us about the development and function of the notochord. In this review, I discuss the embryonic origin, signalling roles and ultimate fate of the notochord, with an emphasis on structural aspects of notochord biology.