Related Experiment Videos
Expression of FGFR-4 mRNA in developing mouse tissues.
J Korhonen1, J Partanen, K Alitalo
1Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR-4) mRNA is expressed in developing mouse embryos, particularly in tissues that form skeletal muscle and organs. This suggests FGFR-4 plays a key role in differentiation processes.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous work identified human FGFR-4 cDNA and demonstrated overlapping yet distinct expression patterns for FGFR-1 to FGFR-4 mRNAs in human fetal tissues.
- Accurate definition of FGFR-4 expressing cells and tissues requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely define the cellular and tissue-specific expression of FGFR-4 in mouse embryonic development.
- To investigate the role of FGFR-4 in differentiation of specific tissues.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of mouse FGFR-4 cDNA.
- Northern hybridization analysis of mouse embryonic tissues.
- In situ hybridization of mouse embryonic tissues.
Main Results:
- FGFR-4 mRNA (3.5 kb) is expressed from day 10 to term in mouse embryos and newborns, with peak expression at days 14-16 post-coitum (p.c.).
- Adult mice show predominant FGFR-4 mRNA expression in the liver, kidney, and lung.
- In situ hybridization reveals FGFR-4 mRNA in mesodermal tissues, developing lung, gut, pharyngeal arch mesenchyme, developing myotomes, and the metanephros in 10-13 day p.c. embryos.
Conclusions:
- FGFR-4 expression is widespread in developing mouse embryos, with notable presence in tissues of mesodermal origin.
- High FGFR-4 mRNA levels in developing skeletal muscle and the metanephros suggest a crucial role in their differentiation.
- FGFR-4 may be particularly important for the differentiation of skeletal muscle and endodermally derived organs.