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In utero Protein Regulation

 
  February, 22 2007 9:36
your information resource in human molecular genetics
 
     
A novel strategy for regulating a protein important in development is described in Nature this week. Michael T. Longaker and colleagues report that, in mice, glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) can be artificially controlled from within the mother's uterus, in a reversible and time-controlled manner.

GSK-3beta plays an integral part in a variety of biological processes, although its specific developmental roles remain unclear. In the present study the authors used an existing chemically regulated form of the GSK-3beta gene, whereby expression of the GSK-3beta protein is controlled by the presence or absence of the drug rapamycin. Using this approach combined with conventional mutant analysis they defined a specific requirement for GSK-3beta in midline development: mice that did not express the protein had cleft palate, incomplete fusion of the ribs and a split sternum.

In addition, the authors were able to rescue some of the developmental defects using maternal rapamycin treatment to restore internal GSK-3beta activity during two distinct windows of gestation. They propose that their studies provide an improved method for defining the timing and level of protein expression during development, a detailed knowledge of which is essential for rescuing developmental defects.

Author contact:

Michael T. Longaker (Stanford University Medical Center, CA, USA)
E-mail: longaker@stanford.edu

(C) Nature press release.


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