Celf1 is required for formation of endoderm-derived organs in zebrafish

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Sep 3;14(9):18009-23. doi: 10.3390/ijms140918009.

Abstract

We recently reported that an RNA binding protein called Cugbp Elav-like family member 1 (Celf1) regulates somite symmetry and left-right patterning in zebrafish. In this report, we show additional roles of Celf1 in zebrafish organogenesis. When celf1 is knocked down by using an antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (MO), liver buds fail to form, and pancreas buds do not form a cluster, suggesting earlier defects in endoderm organogenesis. As expected, we found failures in endoderm cell growth and migration during gastrulation in embryos injected with celf1-MOs. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that Celf1 binds to gata5 and cdc42 mRNAs which are known to be involved in cell growth and migration, respectively. Our results therefore suggest that Celf1 regulates proper organogenesis of endoderm-derived tissues by regulating the expression of such targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CELF1 Protein
  • Endoderm / cytology*
  • Endoderm / metabolism*
  • GATA5 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • GATA5 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense / genetics
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
  • Zebrafish Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • CELF1 Protein
  • CELF1 protein, zebrafish
  • GATA5 Transcription Factor
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • gata5 protein, zebrafish