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Xenopus FK 506-binding protein, a novel immunophilin expressed during early development
1Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Abstract:
FK 506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins identified by virtue of their ability to bind the immunosuppressants FK 506 and rapamycin. While their function has been extensively studied in the immune system, little is known about their role during early embryonic development. Here we describe the cloning and expression of a new Xenopus FKBP (xFKBP). xFKBP encodes a 63-kDa protein that shares high sequence homology with mouse FKBP65. It is expressed maternally and becomes restricted after the gastrula stage to dorsal mesoderm and notochord. At the tailbud stage expression persists in the notochord and begins to accumulate in epidermis, branchial arches and developing somites. In adults, xFKBP mRNA is confined to the testis.
Insights
We identified a new FK 506-binding protein (FKBP) in Xenopus, named xFKBP. This protein plays a role in early embryonic development, with its expression localized to specific tissues like the notochord and dorsal mesoderm.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- FK 506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are known for their role in the immune system.
- Their function in early embryonic development remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize a novel FKBP in Xenopus (xFKBP).
- To investigate the expression pattern of xFKBP during Xenopus embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of the xFKBP gene.
- Analysis of xFKBP protein sequence homology.
- Whole-mount in situ hybridization to determine mRNA expression patterns during embryogenesis.
Main Results:
- xFKBP encodes a 63-kDa protein homologous to mouse FKBP65.
- Maternal expression of xFKBP, followed by restricted expression in dorsal mesoderm and notochord post-gastrulation.
- Expression observed in notochord, epidermis, branchial arches, and somites at the tailbud stage.
- Adult xFKBP mRNA confined to the testis.
Conclusions:
- xFKBP is a novel FKBP with a distinct expression profile during Xenopus development.
- Its localization suggests potential roles in notochord formation, dorsal mesoderm development, and potentially other embryonic structures.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of xFKBP in these developmental processes.