Src family kinase function during early Xenopus development.

The Src family kinase Laloo functions downstream of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, as a component of a signaling pathway required for mesoderm formation. In this study, we first show that Laloo expression can mimic FGF function in a distinct context, suggesting that the Src-related kinases are general transducers of FGF signaling during development. We then characterize the role of the SH-PTP2 phosphatase, and of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-pathway signaling, in mesoderm induction by Laloo. Finally, we demonstrate that the mesoderm-inducing activity of the Src family kinases is not limited to Laloo, indicating a degree of functional overlap between members of this gene family during early vertebrate development. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.