Interaction of RAR, Wnt, and FGF in Development

University Of California Irvine, Irvine CA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Retinoids are known to be important in a variety of processes during development. Previous studies have shown that both retinoid and FGF signaling are required for anteroposterior patterning. The specific aims are: 1) to determine if ets domain transcription factors interact with RAR and FGF signaling pathways, 2) to show the necessity for RAR regulation of Xcad expression in early anteroposterior development and 3) to show RAR and Wnt signaling act synergistically to pattern the trunk and posterior. We will employ MO-mediated gene knockdown and microinjection of specific reagents to determine the function of RAR isoforms, Wnt signaling as well as interactions with ets domain transcription factors. Whole mount in situ hybridization, real time PCR, microinjections, and embryological manipulations will be employed to discern the effects of loss-of-function in certain genes and their affects on the function of RAR, Wnt and FGF signaling. The long-term goal of the proposed research is to understand the role of retinoid signaling during vertebrate axial patterning. The results should be widely applicable to the study of other vertebrate model systems.