Article Abstract:
A unique endothelial cell locus (Del1) regulated developmentally has been identified. Researchers were able to make use of an enhancer trap event in a transgenic mouse line. The protein encoded in the locus has three EFG-like repeats homologous to those in Notch and related proteins. Included are an EFG-like repeat that has an RGD motif and two discoidin I-like domains. Del1 is a matrix protein. It promotes adhesion of endothelial cells using interaction with the alpha v beta3 integrin receptor. Del1 is a new ligand for the alpha v beta3 integrin receptor and may regulate vascular morphogenesis or remodeling in embryonic development.
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Article Abstract:
Bmp4, a gene encoding a bone morphogenetic protein, plays a critical role in lens induction in the mouse embryo. Lens induction does not occur in Bmp4(tm1) homozygous null mutant embryos, but can be induced in explant cultures through exogenous application of BMP4 protein in the optic vesicle. BMP4 may regulate downstream genes or function as one of a number of inductive signals.
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Article Abstract:
Research shows that the bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) serves as a signal from the myocardium and mediates atrioventricular separation. Data indicate that defects in this septation process lead to congenital heart abnormalities such as atrioventricular canal defect.
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