Let it flow: Morpholino knockdown in zebrafish embryos reveals a pro-angiogenic effect of the metalloprotease meprin alpha2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Meprin metalloproteases are thought to be involved in basic physiological functions such as cell proliferation and tissue differentiation. However, the specific functions of these enzymes are still ambiguous, although a variety of growth factors and structural proteins have been identified as meprin substrates. The discovery of meprins alpha(1), alpha(2) and beta in teleost fish provided the basis for uncovering their physiological functions by gene silencing in vivo.

Methodology/principal findings

A Morpholino knockdown in zebrafish embryos targeting meprin alpha(1) and beta mRNA caused defects in general tissue differentiation. But meprin alpha(2) morphants were affected more specifically and showed severe failures in the formation of the vascular system provoki

SUBMITTER: Schutte A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2809112 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature