In the absence of Sonic hedgehog, p53 induces apoptosis and inhibits retinal cell proliferation, cell-cycle exit and differentiation in zebrafish.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling regulates cell proliferation during vertebrate development via induction of cell-cycle regulator gene expression or activation of other signalling pathways, prevents cell death by an as yet unclear mechanism and is required for differentiation of retinal cell types. Thus, an unsolved question is how the same signalling molecule can regulate such distinct cell processes as proliferation, cell survival and differentiation.

Methodology/principal findings

Analysis of the zebrafish shh(-/-) mutant revealed that in this context p53 mediates elevated apoptosis during nervous system and retina development and interferes with retinal proliferation and differentiation. While in shh(-/-) mutants there is activation of p53 target genes and p53-m

SUBMITTER: Prykhozhij SV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2958845 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature