Cell intercalation driven by SMAD3 underlies secondary neural tube formation

Summary Body axis elongation is a hallmark of the vertebrate embryo, involving architectural remodeling tail bud. Although it clear how neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) contribute to embryo elongation, dynamic events that lead de novo lumen formation and culminate in 3-dimensional, neural tube from NMPs, are poorly understood. Here, we used in vivo imaging chicken show cell intercalation downstream TGF-?/SMAD3 signaling required for secondary formation. Our analysis describes including lineage restriction, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition initiation We resolution single, centrally positioned lumen, which occurs through central cells, requires SMAD3/Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity. anticipate these findings will be relevant understand caudal, skin-covered defects, among most frequent birth defects detected humans.