Neuron
Volume 35, Issue 2, 18 July 2002, Pages 255-265
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Article
Establishment of the Telencephalon during Gastrulation by Local Antagonism of Wnt Signaling

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Abstract

Cells at the anterior boundary of the neural plate (ANB) can induce telencephalic gene expression when transplanted to more posterior regions. Here, we identify a secreted Frizzled-related Wnt antagonist, Tlc, that is expressed in ANB cells and can cell nonautonomously promote telencephalic gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, abrogation of Tlc function compromises telencephalic development. We also identify Wnt8b as a locally acting modulator of regional fate in the anterior neural plate and a likely target for antagonism by Tlc. Finally, we show that tlc expression is regulated by signals that establish early antero-posterior and dorso-ventral ectodermal pattern. From these studies, we propose that local antagonism of Wnt activity within the anterior ectoderm is required to establish the telencephalon.

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Correspondence: Stephen W. Wilson, 00-44-20-76793348 (phone), 00-44-20 7679 7349 (fax); e-mail: [email protected]

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Current address: MPI for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany.