Response to Article

Article title: Regulation of Cell Proliferation by a Morphogen Gradient


This article is essentially showing the evidence for the model of tissue patterns.  One model to explain the relationship between patterning and growth during development suggests that growth is regulated by the slope of morphogen gradients. A morphogen is;  a diffusible chemical substance that exerts control over morphogenesis especially by forming a gradient in concentration.  The Drosophila wing served as the test subject for studies of organ growth and patterning.  The tests showed that the Decapentaplegic (DPP) morphogen controls growth in the Drosophila wing, but the slope of the DPP activity gradient did not  influence growth.  Researchers later figured out that either activation or inhibition of the DPP pathway in clones at levels different from those in surrounding cells stimulates nonautonomous cell proliferation.  Their later observations provided a direct demonstration that the slope of a morphogen gradient regulates growth during development.


Irvine, Kenneth , and Dragana Rogulja. "Regulation of Cell Proliferation by a Morphogen Gradient."Elsevier B.V. 123.3 (2005): 449-461. Web. 5 Feb 2011. <http://www.sciencedirect.com>.