Pnas4 is a novel regulator for convergence and extension during vertebrate gastrulation.
Recent studies show that human Pnas4 might be tumor associated, while its function remains unknown. Here, we investigate the developmental function of Pnas4 using zebrafish as a model system. Knocking down Pnas4 causes gastrulation defects with a shorter and broader axis, as well as a posteriorly mis-positioned prechordal plate, due to the defective convergence and extension movement. Conversely, over-expression of Pnas4 mRNA leads to an elongated body axis. We further demonstrate that Pnas4 is required cell-autonomously for dorsal convergence but not for anterior migration. In addition, genetic interaction assays indicate that Pnas4 might act in parallel with non-canonical Wnt signal in the regulation of cell movement. Our data suggest that Pnas4 is a key regulator of cell movement during gastrulation.
State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and Life Science College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Shaohua
S
Yao
Lifang
L
Xie
Meilin
M
Qian
Hanshuo
H
Yang
Lang
L
Zhou
Qian
Q
Zhou
Fei
F
Yan
Lantu
L
Gou
Yuquan
Y
Wei
Xia
X
Zhao
Xianming
X
Mo
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000235:genetics; D005775:Gastrula / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D054262:Gastrulation / Q000235:genetics; D015870:Gene Expression; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; C530832:desi2 protein, zebrafish