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Analysis of NUAK1 and NUAK2 expression during early chick development reveals specific patterns in the developing
Abdelhamid Bekri1, Marc Billaud, Jacques Thélu
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CNRS, France.
Abstract:
Several human diseases are associated with the NUAK1 and NUAK2 genes. These genes encode kinases, members of the AMPK-related kinases (ARK) gene family. Both NUAK1 and NUAK2 are known targets of the serine threonine kinase LKB1, a tumor suppressor involved in regulating cell polarity. While much is known about their functions in disease, their expression pattern in normal development has not been extensively studied. Here, we present the expression patterns for NUAK1 and NUAK2 in the chick during early-stage embryogenesis, until day 3 (Hamburger and Hamilton stage HH20). Several embryonic structures, in particular the nascent head, showed distinct expression levels. NUAK1 expression was first detected at stage HH6 in the rostral neural folds. It was then expressed (HH7-11) throughout the encephalalon, predominantly in the telencephalon and mesencephalon. NUAK1 expression was also detected in the splanchnic endoderm area at HH8-10, and in the vitellin vein derived from this area, but not in the heart. NUAK2 expression was first detected at stage HH6 in the neural folds. It was then found throughout the encephalon at stage HH20. Particular attention was paid in this study to the dorsal ectoderm at stages HH7 and HH8, where a local deficit or accumulation of NUAK2 mRNA were found to correlate with the direction of curvature of the neural plate. This is the first description of NUAK1 and NUAK2 expression patterns in the chick during early development; it reveals non-identical expression profiles for both genes in neural development.
Insights
This study maps NUAK1 and NUAK2 gene expression in early chick development. Findings reveal distinct expression patterns in neural tissues, offering insights into early embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- NUAK1 and NUAK2 genes, part of the AMPK-related kinases (ARK) family, are linked to human diseases.
- These kinases are targets of the tumor suppressor LKB1, involved in cell polarity.
- Their expression patterns during normal embryonic development are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe the expression patterns of NUAK1 and NUAK2 during early chick embryogenesis.
- To provide foundational data on the spatial and temporal expression of these genes in developing neural structures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of NUAK1 and NUAK2 gene expression in chick embryos up to Hamburger and Hamilton stage HH20.
- Detailed observation of expression localization in various embryonic tissues, with a focus on neural development.
Main Results:
- NUAK1 and NUAK2 expression was detected early in neural folds (stage HH6) and throughout the developing brain.
- Distinct expression levels were observed in specific embryonic structures, including the nascent head.
- NUAK2 mRNA levels in the dorsal ectoderm correlated with neural plate curvature, suggesting a role in morphogenesis.
- Expression profiles of NUAK1 and NUAK2 were found to be non-identical during neural development.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first detailed description of NUAK1 and NUAK2 expression during early chick embryogenesis.
- The distinct and dynamic expression patterns suggest crucial, non-redundant roles for NUAK1 and NUAK2 in neural development and morphogenesis.
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