Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
09:36
Visualizing the Node and Notochordal Plate In Gastrulating Mouse Embryos Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Whole Mount Immunofluorescence
Published on: November 6, 2018
The expression of Visinin-like 1 during mouse embryonic development
Roxana Ola1, Sylvie Lefebvre, Karl-Heinz Braunewell
1Biochemistry and Developmental Biology Department, Institute of Biomedicine, P.O. Box 63, Haartmaninkatu 8, University of Helsinki, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland. roxana.ola@helsinki.fi
Gene Expression Patterns : GEP
|December 6, 2011
Summary
Visinin like 1 (Vsnl1) is a calcium-binding protein crucial for cardiac development. Its dynamic expression pattern in murine embryos highlights its role in forming heart structures and other organs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Visinin like 1 (Vsnl1) is a conserved calcium-binding protein primarily studied in the central nervous system.
- Limited information exists on the physiological roles and expression patterns of Vsnl1 in non-neuronal tissues, particularly during embryogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extensively analyze the spatio-temporal expression pattern of Vsnl1 during murine development.
- To investigate the role of Vsnl1 in cardiac and vascular morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization to detect Vsnl1 mRNA expression.
- Immunolabeling to visualize Vsnl1 protein localization.
Main Results:
- Vsnl1 expression was identified in cardiac primordia, later restricted to the atrial myocardium, and present in all four chambers of the adult heart.
- Vsnl1 serves as a specific marker for cardiomyocyte-derived structures in both systemic and pulmonary circulation.
- Dynamic Vsnl1 expression was observed in various developing organs, including taste buds, cochlea, thyroid, tooth, salivary, and adrenal glands.
Conclusions:
- The stage-specific expression of Vsnl1 during murine development suggests its significant role in organogenesis.
- Vsnl1 is a valuable marker for studying cardiac and vascular morphogenesis due to its dynamic and specific expression patterns.
