Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Generation of Transgenic Rats using a Lentiviral Vector Approach
Published on: May 17, 2020
Developmental expression of rat transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) mRNA is highly expressed in early developing rat embryos, suggesting its role as a fetal growth factor. Expression significantly declines before birth, similar to adult tissues.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) is a key signaling molecule.
- Its role in embryonic development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the expression pattern of TGF alpha during rat embryonic development.
- To determine if TGF alpha functions as a fetal growth factor.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis was used to detect TGF alpha mRNA.
- RNA was isolated from developing rat embryos at various gestational ages.
Main Results:
- TGF alpha mRNA levels were high in rat embryos from 8 to 10 days of gestation.
- Expression decreased significantly to low or undetectable levels before birth.
- TGF alpha mRNA levels in early embryos were comparable to those in transformed cell lines.
Conclusions:
- TGF alpha is dynamically expressed during rat embryonic development.
- These findings support the hypothesis that TGF alpha acts as a fetal growth factor.
- TGF alpha expression is not highly localized in the developing embryo.
More Related Videos
06:54Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
06:57Analysis of Transforming Growth Factor ß Family Cleavage Products Secreted Into the Blastocoele of Xenopus laevis Embryos
Published on: July 21, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Reporter Genes
Commonly used reporter...
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
MAPK Signaling Cascades
TGF - β Signaling Pathway