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Xfin: an embryonic gene encoding a multifingered protein in Xenopus
A Ruiz i Altaba1, H Perry-O'Keefe, D A Melton
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.
The EMBO Journal
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers identified the Xfin gene in Xenopus laevis, which codes for a protein with 37 DNA-binding domains. This suggests Xfin may regulate gene activity during early embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
Background:
- The Xenopus laevis genome is a key model for studying early embryonic development.
- DNA-binding proteins play crucial roles in regulating gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen the Xenopus laevis genome for novel DNA-binding proteins.
- To characterize a newly identified gene, Xfin, and its potential function.
Main Methods:
- Screening the Xenopus laevis genome using the 'finger' region of the Drosophila Krüppel gene as a probe.
- Analyzing the structure and expression of the identified Xfin gene and its mRNA.
Main Results:
- A single gene, Xfin, was detected, encoding a protein with 37 finger domains, comprising 90% of the protein.
- The Xfin protein's structure suggests a capacity to bind a large DNA stretch (185 bases).
- Xfin mRNA is expressed maternally and zygotically, with significant polyadenylation changes during early development.
Conclusions:
- The Xfin protein's extensive DNA-binding domains indicate a potential role in regulating gene activity.
- The expression pattern of Xfin mRNA supports its involvement in early embryonic gene control.