Morfogén

Morfogén is a term used in developmental biology to describe a substance or factor that influences the pattern of tissue or organ formation. These molecules are typically present in a concentration gradient within a developing embryo, meaning their concentration varies across different regions. Cells respond to the specific concentration of a morfogen they encounter, leading to distinct developmental outcomes. This concentration-dependent signaling is a fundamental mechanism for pattern formation and establishing positional information in developing organisms.

The concept of morphogens was first proposed by Alan Turing in the 1950s to explain the formation of biological patterns. Subsequent research has identified many molecules that function as morphogens, including proteins like Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Wingless (Wg) in Drosophila, and retinoic acid. These morphogens can be secreted by signaling centers or produced diffusely, and their diffusion and degradation rates play a crucial role in shaping the gradient. The precise interpretation of the morfogen gradient by cells is often mediated by specific receptor proteins and downstream signaling pathways, ultimately leading to differential gene expression and cell differentiation. Understanding morfogen gradients is key to understanding how complex biological structures develop from a seemingly uniform set of cells.