The vertebrate segmentation clock drives segmentation by stabilizing Dusp phosphatases in zebrafish.

Pulsatile activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) controls several cellular, developmental, and regenerative programs. Sequential segmentation of somites along the vertebrate body axis, a key developmental program, is also controlled by ERK activity oscillation. The oscillatory expression of Her/Hes family transcription factors constitutes the segmentation clock, setting the period of segmentation.

Periodic inhibition of Erk activity drives sequential somite segmentation.

Sequential segmentation creates modular body plans of diverse metazoan embryos. Somitogenesis establishes the segmental pattern of the vertebrate body axis. A molecular segmentation clock in the presomitic mesoderm sets the pace of somite formation.