Follistatin interacts with Noggin in the development of the axial skeleton

Mech Dev. 2014 Feb:131:78-85. doi: 10.1016/j.mod.2013.10.001.

Abstract

When compared to single mutants for Follistatin or Noggin, we find that double mutants display a dramatic further reduction in trunk cartilage formation, particularly in the vertebral bodies and proximal ribs. Consistent with these observations, expression of the early sclerotome markers Pax1 and Uncx is diminished in Noggin;Follistatin compound mutants. In contrast, Sim1 expression expands medially in double mutants. As the onset of Follistatin expression coincides with sclerotome specification, we argue that the effect of Follistatin occurs after sclerotome induction. We hypothesize that Follistatin aids in maintaining proper somite size, and consequently sclerotome progenitor numbers, by preventing paraxial mesoderm from adopting an intermediate/lateral plate mesodermal fate in the Noggin-deficient state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Body Patterning / genetics
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cartilage / growth & development*
  • Female
  • Follistatin / genetics*
  • Follistatin / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Mice
  • Mutation
  • Repressor Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Somites / growth & development
  • Somites / metabolism
  • Spine / growth & development
  • Spine / metabolism

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Follistatin
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Sim1 protein, mouse
  • noggin protein