Expression of Panza, an alpha2-macroglobulin, in a restricted dorsal domain of the primitive gut in Xenopus laevis.

ABSTRACT: Alpha2-macroglobulin is a major serum protein with diverse functions, including inhibition of protease activity and binding of growth factors, cytokines, and disease factors. We have cloned and characterized Panza, a new Xenopus laevis alpha2-macroglobulin. Panza has 56-60% amino acid similarity with previously identified Xenopus, mouse, rat and human alpha2-macroglobulins, indicating that Panza is a new member of the alpha2-macroglobulin family. Panza mRNA is first detected at the beginning of neurulation in the dorsal endoderm lining the primitive gut (archenteron roof). At the completion of neurulation and continuing through the late tadpole stage, Panza is restricted to a dorsal domain of the gut endoderm adjacent to the notochord and extending along the entire anterior-posterior axis.

SUBMITTER: Pineda-Salgado L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1351133 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature