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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Mosaic Zebrafish Transgenesis for Evaluating Enhancer Sequences
Published on: July 16, 2010
Enhancer detection and developmental expression of zebrafish sprouty1, a member of the fgf8 synexpression group
Anna Z Komisarczuk1, Stefanie Topp, Christian Stigloher
1Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, Bergen High Technology Centre, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract:
Signaling pathways mediated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are under positive and negative regulation, and misregulation of RTK signaling results in developmental defects and malignancy. A major class of antagonists of Fgf and Egf signaling are the Sprouty proteins. Through an enhancer detection approach, we isolated the sprouty1 (spry1) gene, expressed in multiple developing organs during embryogenesis. We analyzed expression of spry1 between tail bud stage and 10 days postfertilization. From the tail bud stage on, transcript and reporter are detected in the craniofacial region and in the mid-hindbrain boundary, where expression persists until adulthood. Further expression domains are the telencephalon, hindbrain, dorsal diencephalon and epiphysis, branchial arches, pituitary, and the tubular gill epithelium. In the trunk spry1 is also prominently expressed in pronephros, the lateral line and tail fin. Sprouty1 acts in Fgf signaling downstream of Fgfr1, as its expression is abrogated through the small molecule inhibitor of this receptor, SU5402.
Insights
Sprouty1 (spry1) gene, an antagonist of Fgf and Egf signaling, is crucial for embryonic development. Its expression in various organs highlights its role in regulating receptor tyrosine kinase pathways.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways are vital for development and are tightly regulated.
- Misregulation of RTK signaling can lead to developmental abnormalities and cancer.
- Sprouty proteins are key antagonists of Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) and Epidermal Growth Factor (Egf) signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the sprouty1 (spry1) gene.
- To investigate the expression patterns of spry1 during embryonic development.
- To understand the role of Sprouty1 in Fgf signaling.
Main Methods:
- Enhancer detection approach for gene isolation.
- Analysis of spry1 transcript and reporter gene expression.
- Pharmacological inhibition of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 (Fgfr1) using SU5402.
Main Results:
- The spry1 gene was isolated and found to be expressed in multiple developing organs.
- spry1 expression was detected from the tail bud stage through 10 days postfertilization.
- Expression domains included craniofacial region, mid-hindbrain boundary, telencephalon, hindbrain, dorsal diencephalon, epiphysis, branchial arches, pituitary, gill epithelium, pronephros, lateral line, and tail fin.
- spry1 expression was abrogated by SU5402, indicating its action downstream of Fgfr1 in Fgf signaling.
Conclusions:
- Sprouty1 is a critical regulator of Fgf signaling during embryogenesis.
- spry1 plays a role in the development of various organ systems.
- The findings provide insights into the intricate mechanisms of RTK pathway regulation.
