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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:11
Analysis of Gene Function and Visualization of Cilia-Generated Fluid Flow in Kupffer's Vesicle
Published on: March 31, 2013
oleed, a medaka Polycomb group gene, regulates ciliogenesis and left-right patterning
Daisuke Arai1, Atsushi Hatano, Toru Higashinakagawa
1Department of Biology, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
Genes to Cells : Devoted to Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms
|November 19, 2009
Summary
Epigenetic regulation by EED is crucial for ciliogenesis and left-right body patterning. This study reveals how EED maintains cilia function, preventing developmental defects like situs inversus.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Left-right (LR) body patterning is vital for animal development.
- Primary cilia are critical for LR patterning, and defects cause congenital diseases.
- The comprehensive mechanisms regulating ciliogenesis remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of EED, a Polycomb group gene, in ciliogenesis and LR patterning.
- To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying ciliogenesis and its impact on LR asymmetry.
- To identify novel regulators of cilia function in vertebrate development.
Main Methods:
- Knockdown of the EED homolog (oleed) in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) embryos.
- Analysis of cilia structure, position, and motility in Kupffer's vesicle.
- Gene expression analysis to determine the regulatory role of oleed on downstream targets like Noto.
Main Results:
- Moderate oleed knockdown resulted in a high incidence of situs inversus, indicating disrupted LR patterning.
- Defects in cilia structure, positioning, and motility were observed in affected embryos.
- Oled was found to maintain the expression of Noto, a gene crucial for ciliogenesis and LR patterning.
Conclusions:
- EED is essential for ciliogenesis and proper LR patterning in medaka.
- Epigenetic regulation via EED plays a significant role in ciliogenesis and LR asymmetry.
- This study highlights a novel link between epigenetic plasticity, ciliogenesis, and LR patterning.
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