Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) inactivation leads to defects in islet cell lineage allocation and beta-cell proliferation during embryogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The factors necessary for normal pancreatic islet morphogenesis have not been well characterized. Here we report that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is involved in the establishment of normal islet endocrine cell ratio and architecture. CTGF is a secreted protein known to modulate several growth factor-signaling pathways including TGF-beta, BMP, and Wnt. Although its role in pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer are well documented, a role for CTGF in normal pancreas development and function has heretofore not been examined. Using a lacZ-tagged CTGF allele, we describe for the first time the expression pattern of CTGF in the developing pancreas and the requirement of CTGF for normal islet morphogenesis and embryonic beta-cell proliferation. CTGF is highly e

SUBMITTER: Crawford LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2654514 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature