Mita Kaoru, Koyanagi Ryo, Azumi Kaoru, Sabau Sorin V, Fujiwara Shigeki
Department of Applied Science, Kochi University, 2-5-1 Akebono-cho, Kochi-shi, Kochi 780-8520, Japan.
Zoolog Sci. 2010 Feb;27(2):69-75. doi: 10.2108/zsj.27.69.
Nodal, a growth factor belonging to the TGF-beta superfamily, is required for the formation of the neural tube in Ciona intestinalis. Previous studies have revealed many genes whose expression is controlled by Nodal in the Ciona embryo; however, all of them encode transcription factors and signaling molecules. In the present study, we identified five genes upregulated or downregulated by the overexpression of Nodal in embryos of C. intestinalis. The upregulated genes included those encoding type IV collagen 1/3/5, laminin-alpha5, and Prickle. The downregulated genes included those encoding glypican and delta1-protocadherln-like. Many of these genes were expressed in the neural plate at the late gastrula stage. The present study revealed candidate effector genes that directly regulate, in response to Nodal, the morphogenesis of the neural tube in Ciona intestinalis.
Nodal是一种属于转化生长因子-β超家族的生长因子，在玻璃海鞘神经管形成过程中是必需的。先前的研究已经揭示了许多基因，其表达在玻璃海鞘胚胎中受Nodal控制；然而，它们全部编码转录因子和信号分子。在本研究中，我们在玻璃海鞘胚胎中鉴定出了五个因Nodal过表达而上调或下调的基因。上调的基因包括编码IV型胶原蛋白1/3/5、层粘连蛋白-α5和Prickle的基因。下调的基因包括编码磷脂酰肌醇蛋白聚糖和δ1-原钙黏蛋白样蛋白的基因。这些基因中的许多在原肠胚晚期的神经板中表达。本研究揭示了候选效应基因，它们响应Nodal直接调节玻璃海鞘神经管的形态发生。
