title: Transient expression of a novel serine protease in the ectoderm of the ascidian Herdmania momus during development.
abstract: We have studied gene expression during ascidian embryonic development using the technique of differential display and isolated partial cDNA sequences of 12 genes. Developmental regulation of these genes has been confirmed by northern hybridization analysis. Further cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of an mRNA that is present during gastrulation, neurulation and tailbud formation reveals that it encodes a novel serine protease containing a single kringle motif and catalytic domain. The spatial expression of this gene, designated Hmserp1, is restricted to precursor cells of the epidermis. The structure and expression of Hmserp1 is discussed in relation to possible functions during development.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Cancer Fund Research Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia, , , , , , AU.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.affiliation: Queensland Cancer Fund Research Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia, , , , , , AU.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kennett
authors.affiliation: University of Queensland, Department of Zoology, Brisbane, Australia, , , , , , AU.
authors.forename: Bernard M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Degnan
authors.affiliation: University of Queensland, Department of Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, , , , , , AU.
authors.forename: Martin F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Lavin
keywords: Differential display; Gene expression; In situ hybridization; Key words Ascidian; Serine protease