The process in which a cell becomes capable of differentiating autonomously into an axial mesoderm cell in an environment that is neutral with respect to the developmental pathway; upon specification, the cell fate can be reversed.
BMP signaling pathway involved in mesodermal cell fate specification
intermediate mesodermal cell fate specification +
lateral mesodermal cell fate specification +
negative regulation of mesodermal cell fate specification +
paraxial mesodermal cell fate specification +
positive regulation of mesodermal cell fate specification +
regulation of mesodermal cell fate specification +