TITLE:
Regulation of Both Cell State and Gene Expression with Nutrient Gradient as Conserved Mechanism Differentiating the Cell Fates for Embryonic Gastrulation: A Theory
AUTHORS:
Zi-Jian Cai
KEYWORDS:
Gastrula, Nutrient, Stem Cell Culture, Gene Expression, Trilaminar Germ Layers, Anteroposterior Determination
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.2,
February
3,
2016
ABSTRACT: In this article, it is newly suggested the regulation from nutrient
gradient on both cell metabolic state and expressional gene classes as the
conserved mechanism differentiating the cell fates for formation of the three
germ layers of gastrula in animals. As a new theory, it is supported by the totipotency
and pluripotency of early embryonic cells and cultured stem cells to be
regulated by nutrients, as well as by the universal formation of nutrient
gradient during gastrulation in various animals. Besides, it is also supported
by the subsequent phenotypic fates of three germ layers of gastrula, with the endoderm
manifesting expression of gene classes in nutritious condition and giving rise
to the epithelium of digestive and respiratory system; the ectoderm manifesting
expression of gene classes with nutrient dependence and environmental effect,
and giving rise to the nervous and epithelial tissues; the mesoderm lying
between them and giving rise to the muscle and adipose. Likewise, it is
directly supported by the different nutrient effects onto such trilaminar
differentiation in various cultured stem cells. Finally, it is in further
supported by the evolutionary effects of nutrients in preserving the trilaminar
fates in gastrula versus relative permitting the variations in anteroposterior
determination. Conclusively, it is identified the nutrient gradient as an
important mechanism to partially differentiate the cell fates for embryonic gastrulation.