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Updated: Dec 11, 2025
Functional Manipulation of Maternal Gene Products Using In Vitro Oocyte Maturation in Zebrafish
Published on: April 22, 2017
Dynamic regulation of Pin1 expression and function during zebrafish development
Maria Solange Ibarra1, Carla Borini Etichetti1, Carolina Di Benedetto1
1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rosario, Argentina.
Abstract:
The prolyl isomerase Pin1 plays a key role in the modulation of proline-directed phosphorylation signaling by inducing local conformational changes in phosphorylated protein substrates. Extensive studies showed different roles for Pin1 in physiological processes and pathological conditions such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are still several unanswered questions regarding its biological role. Notably, despite evidences from cultured cells showing that Pin1 expression and activity may be regulated by different mechanisms, little is known on their relevance in vivo. Using Danio rerio (zebrafish) as a vertebrate model organism we showed that pin1 expression is regulated during embryogenesis to achieve specific mRNA and protein distribution patterns. Moreover, we found different subcellular distribution in particular stages and cell types and we extended the study of Pin1 expression to the adult zebrafish brain. The analysis of Pin1 overexpression showed alterations on zebrafish development and the presence of p53-dependent apoptosis. Collectively, our results suggest that specific mechanisms are operated in different cell types to regulate Pin1 function.
Insights
Prolyl isomerase Pin1 regulates cell signaling and has roles in disease. This study reveals Pin1
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Prolyl isomerase Pin1 modulates proline-directed phosphorylation signaling.
- Pin1 has diverse roles in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
- In vivo regulation of Pin1 expression and activity remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo regulation and function of Pin1 during vertebrate development.
- To elucidate the spatiotemporal expression patterns and subcellular localization of Pin1 in zebrafish.
- To analyze the consequences of Pin1 overexpression in a living organism.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Danio rerio (zebrafish) as a vertebrate model.
- Analyzed pin1 mRNA and protein expression patterns during embryogenesis.
- Investigated Pin1 subcellular distribution in various cell types and developmental stages.
- Examined Pin1 expression in the adult zebrafish brain.
- Assessed developmental alterations and apoptosis following Pin1 overexpression.
Main Results:
- Pin1 expression is tightly regulated during zebrafish embryogenesis, establishing specific mRNA and protein distributions.
- Distinct subcellular localization patterns of Pin1 were observed in specific cell types and developmental stages.
- Pin1 overexpression in zebrafish led to developmental abnormalities and induced p53-dependent apoptosis.
- Pin1 expression was also studied in the adult zebrafish brain.
Conclusions:
- Specific regulatory mechanisms govern Pin1 function in a cell-type-dependent manner in vivo.
- Zebrafish serve as a valuable model for studying Pin1's in vivo roles.
- Understanding Pin1 regulation is crucial for comprehending its involvement in development and disease.
