Related Experiment Videos
Highly restricted pattern of connexin36 expression in chick somite development
Viviana M Berthoud1, Rashmi Singh, Peter J Minogue
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 4060, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. vberthou@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
Anatomy and Embryology
|September 30, 2004
Summary
Connexin36 (CX36) plays a role in embryonic development, with its gene expression found in chick embryo mesoderm, specifically the myotome. This suggests CX36 involvement in intercellular communication during muscle cell development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Connexin36 (CX36) is a gap junction protein primarily studied in the mature central nervous system.
- Its function during embryonic development, particularly in mesodermal tissues, remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of connexin36 (CX36) in embryonic development.
- To characterize the gene expression pattern of CX36 in the developing chick embryo mesoderm.
- To compare CX36 expression with other connexins in somite development.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the full-length chick CX36 coding sequence.
- In situ hybridization to determine CX36 gene expression patterns in embryonic chick somites.
- Comparison of CX36 expression with CX42, CX43, and CX45.
- Immunoblotting and immunostaining to detect Cx36 protein in embryonic tissues.
Main Results:
- CX36 gene expression was identified in the chick embryo mesoderm, specifically in the myotome, by embryonic day 2.
- CX36 transcripts exhibited a restricted pattern, appearing dorsomedially and expanding to form stripes in the myotome.
- CX42 showed similar myotome localization, while CX43 was enriched in the dermomyotome, and CX45 was found in both.
- Cx36 protein was detected in the myotome, confirming its presence in developing muscle cells.
Conclusions:
- CX36 is expressed in the developing chick embryo myotome, suggesting a role in muscle development.
- Connexin expression patterns in the developing mesoderm vary, with some being broadly expressed and others highly localized.
- CX36, CX42, and CX45 are likely involved in intercellular communication among developing muscle cells.