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Published on: July 30, 2015
NFAT signaling in vertebrate development.
I A Graef1, F Chen, G R Crabtree
1Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells cytoplasmic (NFATc) proteins regulate gene transcription in response to calcium signals. Their evolution in vertebrates likely supports complex systems like the nervous and immune systems.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells cytoplasmic (NFATc) proteins are key signal transducers.
- They link cytoplasmic calcium signals to nuclear gene transcription.
- NFATc proteins form complexes that regulate gene expression in response to electrical and tyrosine kinase signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and functions of NFATc proteins in vertebrates.
- To explore the role of NFATc proteins in vertebrate-specific biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of NFATc gene evolution at the origin of vertebrates.
- Studies involving mice with null mutations in different NFATc family members.
Main Results:
- The four NFATc genes emerged at the vertebrate origin.
- NFATc proteins are implicated in vertebrate-specific functions.
- Studies using knockout mice support the proposed roles of NFATc proteins.
Conclusions:
- NFATc proteins have evolved with vertebrates to support complex biological systems.
- NFATc proteins play crucial roles in the development of the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems.
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