Transcriptional analysis of the Differentiation of Dorsal Marginal Zone (DMZ)

Abstract

The dorsal marginal zone (DMZ) is an important tissue region in Xenopus early gastrula stage because it contains Spermann-Mangold organizer. Also, it has precursors for all three germ layers in development: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. To identify gene related to the differentiation of DMZ, we analyzed the time course gene expression data of Xenopus laevis DMZ from stage 10 to stage 18. Surprisingly, the gene expression pattern was clearly divided into two groups as DMZ was developed. As we wanted to know differentiation onset related gene signaling, the group of genes with GO terms like cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and circadian regulation were further analyzed. Through this analysis, we found a transcription factor related to cell proliferation and differentiation in DMZ. Furthermore, activated or repressed genes were surveyed and supported by their expression pattern. We will also present the pathways putatively important in DMZ development.