Fig. 5. Interaction between Xwnt1 and Xfz3 in neural crest induction. (A) Xwnt1 synergizes with Xfz3 to induce Xslug. RT-PCR analysis of Xslug expression in animal caps expressing chordin (1 ng) alone, with Xfz3 (10 pg), Xwnt1 (1 pg) or Xwnt8 (1 pg) or combinations thereof. Shown below each lane are the Xslug expression levels, normalized to EF1, relative to the chordin alone sample (defined as 1). (B) An inhibitory form of Xfz3 encoding the CRD (Nfz3) inhibits neural crest formation and this is overcome by increasing Xwnt1. RT-PCR analysis of Xslug expression in animal caps expressing chordin (1 ng) alone, with Xwnt1 (10 pg, 30 pg, 100 pg), with Nfz3 (4 ng) or combinations thereof. Controls are as in Fig. 3. (C) Activity of Xfz3 in neural crest induction requires the CRD (putative ligand binding domain). Co-expression of Xfz3 with Nxfz3 blocks induction of Xslug by Xfz3 and a construct lacking the CRD (Xfz3N) is not active in neural crest induction. (All samples were harvested at stage 23.)

Return to article