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Embryonic expression of nm23 during mouse organogenesis
M Lakso1, P S Steeg, H Westphal
1Laboratory of Mammalian Genes and Development, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Cell Growth & Differentiation : the Molecular Biology Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|December 1, 1992
Summary
The nm23 gene, linked to reduced metastasis, is widely expressed during mouse embryonic development. Its protein accumulates in differentiating tissues like the nervous system and heart, indicating a role in embryogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The nonmetastatic (nm) 23 gene expression is inversely correlated with metastatic potential in various tumor models and human carcinomas.
- Tumor cell invasion and metastasis share processes with normal embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the nm23 gene during mouse embryogenesis.
- To understand the role of Nm23 protein in embryonic tissue differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis of embryonic RNAs to detect nm23 gene transcription.
- Immunohistochemical analysis to localize Nm23 protein expression in embryonic tissues.
Main Results:
- Nm23 gene transcription is widespread during mouse embryogenesis.
- Nm23 protein accumulates preferentially in differentiating tissues, including the nervous system and heart, starting around embryonic day E10.5.
- Increased Nm23 protein expression accompanies the differentiation of multiple epithelial tissues, with transient or cyclic patterns in adult tissues.
Conclusions:
- Nm23 protein accumulation is associated with the functional differentiation of various epithelial tissues during mouse development.
- The nm23 gene plays a significant role in embryonic development and tissue differentiation.