The RNA-binding protein Vg1 RBP is required for cell migration during early neural development.
After mid-blastula transition, populations of cells within the Xenopus embryo become motile. Using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides, we find that Vg1 RBP, an RNA-binding protein implicated in RNA localization in oocytes, is required for the migration of cells forming the roof plate of the neural tube and, subsequently, for neural crest migration. These cells are properly determined but remain at their site of origin. Consistent with a possible role in cell movement, Vg1 RBP asymmetrically localizes to extended processes in migrating neural crest cells. Given that Vg1 RBP is a member of the conserved VICKZ family of proteins, expressed in embryonic and neoplastic cells, these data shed light on the likely role of these RNA-binding proteins in regulating cell movements during both development and metastasis.
Yaniv
Karina
K
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, POB 12272, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel.
Fainsod
Abraham
A
Kalcheim
Chaya
C
Yisraeli
Joel K
JK
D000818:Animals; D002232:Carbocyanines / Q000378:metabolism; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000378:metabolism; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010641:Phenotype; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000502:physiology
C035005:3,3'-dihexadecylindocarbocyanine; D002232:Carbocyanines; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; C513103:GDF1 protein, Xenopus; D006023:Glycoproteins; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D029867:Xenopus Proteins