Objective The aim of this project is to elucidate some of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the early definition of dorso-ventral axis in vertebrates, using Xenopus as a model system. The Nieuwkoop Center (NC), located in the dorsal-vegetal cells of blastulae, constitutes the first organizing center during embryogenesis and it is defined by the relocation of maternal of dorsal determinants. It acts by inducing Spemann's organizer in the overlying mesodermal cells. In spite of its central role in dorso-ventral axis formation, the mechanisms involved in the definition of the NC are unclear. This project proposes to tackle this issue by studying the spatial regulation of Siamois, a homebox gene expressed in the NC. After cloning the genomic sequences of Siamois, we will define the cis regulatory elements present that are important for its spatial expression. Once determined, it will be possible to purify the maternal determinants that bind these sequences. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesdevelopmental biology Programme(s) FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants TL06 - Developmental Biology Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships) Coordinator Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique EU contribution No data Address Campus de Luminy 13288 Marseille France See on map Total cost No data Participants (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Not available Spain EU contribution No data Address See on map Total cost No data