Signaling dynamics in the control of vertebrate mesoderm segmentation

Ina Sonnen

How information is transmitted between cells to govern development in time and space remains a central question in biology. In particular, the role of signaling dynamics in this control is still largely unknown. During embryonic development timing of mesoderm segmentation is coordinated by a molecular clock, which is composed of signaling oscillations of the Notch, Wnt and FGF pathways in mice. While gain- and loss-of-function experiments have traditionally been applied to study the function of signaling pathways in developing organisms, manipulation of the dynamics per se has been difficult to achieve. To be able to functionally investigate signaling oscillations, we established a microfluidic system, which allows entrainment of endogenous signaling oscillations in the developing presomitic mesoderm. Here, I will present how we combine single-cell tracking, proteomics and microfluidics with real-time imaging of dynamic signalling reporters to determine how signalling oscillations control periodic segmentation of the mouse embryo.