Articles techniques et présentations

The specification of cell types and morphogenesis of many biological systems are regulated by the concentrations of signalling molecules. Many systems employ a pair of secreted short-range activators and long-range inhibitors, and these are widely used to generate complex patterns during development. However, the biophysical mechanisms that regulate the different ranges of activators and inhibitors have been elusive.

Here, we examine the reaction kinetics and diffusivities of the Nodal/Lefty activator/inhibitor pair in sphere-stage D. rario (zebrafish) embryos to address this question.