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Expression of myosin VIIA during mouse embryogenesis
I Sahly1, A El-Amraoui, M Abitbol
1Centre de Recherches Thèrapeutiques en Ophtalmologie, Laboratoire d'Embryologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine Necker-Enfants Malades, Université René Descartes, Paris, France. isahly@pasteur.fr
Anatomy and Embryology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Myosin VIIA is crucial for development, found in various embryonic tissues, especially those with microvilli or cilia. Its expression suggests roles in cell structure formation and synaptic vesicle transport.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Myosin VIIA gene defects cause Shaker-1 in mice and Usher syndrome type IB in humans, leading to deafness and balance issues.
- Understanding myosin VIIA function is key to addressing these genetic disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of the myosin VIIA gene during mouse embryonic development.
- To correlate myosin VIIA expression with specific tissue development and cellular structures.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization and immunohistofluorescence were used to analyze myosin VIIA mRNA and protein.
- Embryos from day 9 (E9) to E18 were examined.
Main Results:
- Myosin VIIA mRNA and protein were detected in numerous embryonic tissues, including the otic vesicle, olfactory epithelium, liver, retinal pigment epithelium, and more.
- Expression onset varied by tissue, with some starting as early as E9 and others as late as E15.
- Expression was primarily in epithelial cells, often coinciding with the appearance of microvilli or cilia.
Conclusions:
- Myosin VIIA expression is widespread during mouse embryonic development, particularly in epithelial cells.
- Its expression pattern suggests a role in the morphogenesis of microvilli and cilia.
- Localization in sensory cells indicates a potential function in synaptic vesicle trafficking.