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Hereditas(Beijing) ›› 2023, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (6): 488-500.doi: 10.16288/j.yczz.23-044

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress on the mechanism of left-right asymmetrical patterning in bilaterians

Chaofan Xing1,2(), Mintao Wang1,2, Lei Wang1,2, Xin Shen1,2   

  1. 1. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment /Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
    2. Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
  • Received:2023-02-28 Revised:2023-05-16 Online:2023-06-20 Published:2023-05-29
  • Contact: Xing Chaofan E-mail:chaofanxing2021@163.com
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(32200411);Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(22KJB180014);Priority Academic Program Development Fund of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(22KJB180014)

Abstract:

Left-right asymmetry is an essential feature in bilateral animals. The mechanism underlying the left-right asymmetrical organ morphogenesis is a central question in developmental biology. Studies in vertebrates show that left-right asymmetry formation needs three essential steps: the initial left-right symmetry breaking, the left-right asymmetrical gene expression, and the left-right asymmetrical organ morphogenesis. Many vertebrates use cilia to produce directional fluid flow to break symmetry during embryonic development, asymmetric Nodal-Pitx2 signaling to pattern the left-right asymmetry, and Pitx2 and other genes to control the morphogenesis of asymmetrical organs. In invertebrates, there are left-right mechanisms independent of cilia and even others more different from that of vertebrates. In this review, we summarize the major steps and relevant molecular mechanisms of left-right asymmetric development in vertebrates and invertebrates, aiming to provide a reference for the understanding of the origin and evolution of the left-right developmental mechanism.

Key words: bilaterians, left-right asymmetry, development, evolutionary origin