Developmental Biology III




November 4, 2011

Morphogen gradient

Gregor T, McGregor AP, Bialek, Wieschaus E
Stability and nuclear dynamics of the Bicoid morphogen gradient.

Cell 130: 141-152, 2007

In this class, we will study the issues about gMorphogen Gradienth, being one of the most classical and important concepts in developmental biology.

Selected paper is;
Stability and Nuclear Dynamics of the Bicoid Morphogen Gradient Gregor etal., Cell(2007)
http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674(07)00663-0

This is an unique study in that it poses a doubt for widely believed mechanisms in the formation of bicoid gradient by showing the diffusion dynamics of Bicoid protein. Based on their findings and the historical knowledge about gBicoidh, we will make a free discussion by asking what is the big question and how to solve it. We do not go deep into the mathematical model, so it is not necessary to fully understand the paper. Instead attendees are recommended to pre-study the basics about gBicoidh by referring a textbook for developmental biology or visiting the following link providing a free lecture by Eric Wieschaus (Bicoidfs story starts around 13:40 of 28:30 movie).
http://www.youtube.com/user/ibioseminars?feature=mhee#p/search/0/Ncxs21KEj0g