Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
09:25
Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
9.9K
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase DCAF13 Is Essential for Craniofacial Development
Li Liu1, Xiaoming Xu1, Peijun Huang2
1Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China.
Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)
|January 6, 2026
Summary
DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 13 (DCAF13) is essential for craniofacial development. Its deficiency impairs neural crest cell proliferation and differentiation by affecting PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling, leading to malformations.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Craniofacial morphogenesis depends on neural crest cell development.
- DDB1- and CUL4-associated factor 13 (DCAF13) has known roles in embryogenesis and cancer.
- The function of DCAF13 in neural crest development is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DCAF13 in craniofacial development.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which DCAF13 regulates neural crest cell functions.
Main Methods:
- Conditional knockout of Dcaf13 in neural crest lineages.
- Analysis of craniofacial phenotypes.
- Investigation of signaling pathways, including PTEN-PI3K/AKT.
Main Results:
- Conditional Dcaf13 knockout caused severe craniofacial malformations.
- Impaired skeletal growth and differentiation in affected embryos.
- DCAF13 deficiency led to PTEN accumulation, inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling.
- Suppressed proliferation and differentiation of cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived cells.
Conclusions:
- DCAF13 is a critical regulator of craniofacial morphogenesis.
- DCAF13 controls CNC cell proliferation and differentiation via the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway.
- This study reveals a novel function of DCAF13 in embryonic development.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:50Anaphase Promoting Complex
3.3K
The stepwise destruction of specific proteins is necessary for the progression and completion of the cell cycle. Such proteins are ubiquitinated by ubiquitin ligases and then subsequently destroyed by the proteasome. The SCF (Skp1/Cullin/F-box) and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) are two important ubiquitin ligases involved in cell cycle progression. While SCF is active throughout the cell cycle, APC gets activated during metaphase to anaphase transition. Cdc20 or Cdh1 binds to APC and...
3.3K
01:51Determination
20.7K
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In...
20.7K
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
2.4K
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
2.4K
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
9.8K
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
9.8K
01:19Cadherins in Tissue Organization
3.9K
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
3.9K
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
3.0K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
3.0K