Vertebrate mesendoderm induction and patterning

Many of the key molecular events underlying the induction and patterning of the vertebrate mesoderm and endoderm have recently been elucidated. T-box transcription factors and TGF-beta and Wnt signaling pathways play crucial roles in the initial induction of the mesendoderm and the subdivision of th e posterior mesoderm into rostral and caudal domains.