Converting genetic network oscillations into somite spatial patterns

The segmentation of vertebrate embryos, a process known as somitogenesis, depends on a complex genetic network that generates highly dynamic gene expression in an oscillatory manner. A recent proposal for the mechanism underlying these oscillations involves negative-feedback regulation at transcriptional translational levels, also known as the “delay model” [ J. Lewis Curr. Biol. 13 1398 (2003)]. In addition, in the zebrafish a longitudinal positional information signal in the form of an Fgf8 gradient constitutes a determination front that could be used to transform these coupled intracellular temporal oscillations into the observed spatial periodicity of somites. Here we consider an extension of the delay model by taking into account the interaction of the oscillation clock with the determination front. Comparison is made with the known properties of somite formation in the zebrafish embryo. We also show that the model can mimic the anomalies formed when progression of the determination wave front is perturbed and make an experimental prediction that can be used to test the model.