Wnt11-R, a protein closely related to mammalian Wnt11, is required for heart morphogenesis in Xenopus.

摘要: Abstract Wnt11 is a secreted protein that signals through the non-canonical planar cell polarity pathway and potent modulator of behavior movement. In human, mouse, chicken, there single gene, but in zebrafish Xenopus, are two genes related to Wnt11. The originally characterized Xenopus gene expressed during early embryonic development has critical role regulation gastrulation movements. We have identified second Wnt11-Related (Wnt11-R) after gastrulation. Sequence comparison suggests Wnt11-R, not Wnt11, ortholog mammalian chicken Wnt11-R neural tissue, dorsal mesenchyme derived from dermatome region somites, brachial arches, muscle layer heart, similar expression patterns reported for mouse exhibits biological properties those previously described particular ability activate Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) induce myocardial marker ventral marginal zone (VMZ) explants. Morpholino inhibition experiments demonstrate, however, required cardiac differentiation, functions morphogenesis. Embryos with reduced activity exhibit aberrant cell–cell contacts within wall defects fusion nascent heart tube.