Genetic analysis of ligand-receptor interactions in the TGF-beta superfamily during early embryonic development

During early development, cells differentiate and acquire specific fates according to their position in concentration gradients of morphogens. These substances often spread from a local region, termed an organizer, and exert different effects at distinct thresholds. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily comprises more than 30 factors that have previously been shown to induce specific cell-types and to act as morphogens. The work presented here identified critical roles for ligand-receptor interactions within the TGF-β superfamily during formation and functioning of organizing centers in the mouse