The Role of Crb2 in Vertebrate Development

Walker, R., Cameron, K. and Rashbass, P. (2005) The Role of Crb2 in Vertebrate Development. 15th International Society of Developmental Biologists Congress 2005, Sydney, Australia, 03-07 Sep 2005. S99-S100. (doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2005.06.010)

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Abstract

The Drosophila 2146 amino acid (aa) single-pass transmembrane protein Crumbs (Crb), is a key regulator of epithelial apico-basal polarity and adhesion. The short 37aa intracellular domain is both necessary and when combined with the transmembrane domain, sufficient for apico-basal polarity (Wodarz, 1995, Cell 82:67). In contrast, comparatively little is known about the role of the large extracellular domain. Three vertebrate homologues to Crb have been identified. Mutations in Crb1 are associated with a range of retinal dystrophies (den Hollander, 2001, 69:198), whilst Crb3 is required for cilia formation (Fan, 2004, Curr Biol 14:1451). However, the role of Crb2 is largely unknown. We have isolated three major isoforms of Crb2 that differ in their extracellular domains. Isoform 1 encodes the whole protein, containing a signal sequence, 15 EGF repeats, 3 laminin G domains, a transmembrane domain and the 37aa intracellular domain. Isoforms 2 and 3 are shorter variants. Isoform 2 encodes a secreted protein, as it lacks the transmembrane and intracellular domains, we show that it can be detected in the supernatant of transfected cells. In contrast, Isoform 3 is a transmembrane protein that lacks the first 7 EGF repeats of isoform 1 and has a different signal sequence. We demonstrate that in ovo electroporation of RNA interference constructs targeted to all three isoforms results in abnormal apico-basal polarity, cell proliferation and neural differentiation in the chick neural tube. We are now investigating the role that the different isoforms play in producing the phenotype.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Additional Information:Conference poster abstract.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cameron, Dr Karen
Authors: Walker, R., Cameron, K., and Rashbass, P.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
ISSN:0925-4773
Published Online:12 July 2005

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