Objective:To investigate the effect of desmin on embryo development of Xenopus laevis. Methods:The expression of desmin during embryogenesis was detected by real-time RT-PCR and the whole mount in situ hybridization. The specific antisense oligonucleotides was performed to knockdown the expression of desmin by microinjection. The expression of marker genes was tested during germ layer formation by whole mount in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. Results:The weak expression of desmin starts from the early blastula stage and then detected through all periods of organogenesis. Knockdown of desmin inhibited the blastopore closure,and suppressed the expression of the endodermal,mesodermal and exodermal marker genes. Conclusion:The expression of desmin starts from the blastula during embryogenesis of Xenopus lavies. Loss function of desmin leads to embryonic growth retardation and depressed germ-layer formation.