Calcium turns sinister in left-right asymmetry

Shimeld, S. M. (2004) Calcium turns sinister in left-right asymmetry. Trends in Genetics, 20 (7). pp. 277-280. ISSN 0168-9525 doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2004.04.010

Abstract/Summary

A major challenge in deciphering the development of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates is uncovering how subtle early differences between the left and right sides are translated into robust differences in gene expression. Recently, Raya and colleagues suggested that asymmetric localization of extracellular calcium ions at the node could differentially modulate Notch signalling, resulting in asymmetric expression of the signalling molecule Nodal on the left side of the node. In this article, I examine the implications of this finding and explore their relevance to the evolution of asymmetry in vertebrates and invertebrates.