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The role of sulfatase in regulating FGF signalling during myogenesis in Xenopus tropicallis

ReferenceBB/C505408/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Dr Mary Pownall
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of York
DepartmentBiology
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 237,741
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/10/2004
End date 30/06/2008
Duration45 months

Abstract

My lab has shown previously that the signalling molecule embryonic fibroblast growth factor (eFGF), which is the amphibian homologue of FGF-4, is necessary for the initial activation of XmyoD transcription in myogenic cells. FGF signalling requires heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), and this project will investigate any role for the gene called Xtsulf1, that encodes a heparan sulfate 6-0 endosulfates, in modulating FGF signalling using explant studies, gene expression analysis, mis-expression and gene inhibition. While inhibiting gene function in very early embryos is difficult or very time consuming in other vertebrates, the experiments proposed are straight forward in an amphibian model. Cloning Xtsof1 from X. tropicalis, a diploid relative of X. laevis, will simplify the antisense based approach to gene inhibition and provide insight into the vivo role that Xtsulf1 plays in regulating gene expression and signal transduction pathways during early development. The main objectives of this project in (1) to demonstrate a biological activity for Xtsulf1 in modulating FGF signalling and (2) to define an in vivo role for Xtsulf1 in modifying signal transduction and gene expression in the developing embryo.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research TopicsStem Cells, The 3 Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animals in research)
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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