Xenopus ZFP36L1 （zinc finger protein 36, C3H type-like 1） belongs to the ZFP36 family of RNA-binding proteins, which contains two characteristic tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger domains. The ZFP36 proteins can bind AU-r...Xenopus ZFP36L1 （zinc finger protein 36, C3H type-like 1） belongs to the ZFP36 family of RNA-binding proteins, which contains two characteristic tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger domains. The ZFP36 proteins can bind AU-rich elements in 3＇ untranslated regions of target mRNAs and promote their turnover. However, the expression and role of ZFP36 genes during neural development in Xenopus embryos remains largely unknown. The present study showed that Xenopus ZFP36L1 was expressed at the dorsal part of the forebrain, forebrain-midbrain boundary, and midbrain-hindbrain boundary from late neurula stages to tadpole stages of embryonic development. Overexpression of XZFP36L1 in Xenopus embryos inhibited neural induction and differentiation, leading to severe neural tube defects. The function of XZP36L1 requires both its zinc finger and C terminal domains, which also affect its subcellular localization. These results suggest that XZFP36L1 is likely involved in neural development in Xenopus and might play an important role in post-transcriptional regulation.展开更多
This study was conducted to clarify the distribution and morphology of free neuromasts during the development of half-smooth tongue sole （Cynoglossus semilaevis） using scanning electron microscopy. During developmen...This study was conducted to clarify the distribution and morphology of free neuromasts during the development of half-smooth tongue sole （Cynoglossus semilaevis） using scanning electron microscopy. During development, （1） the apical surface of free neuromasts changed in shape from a circle to a four-poiut star; （2） the external structure changed from being level with the epidermis to papilla-like above the level of the epidermis; （3） the neuromast cupula changed from cylindrical to blade-shaped; （4） the free neuromasts went from occurring singly to being in clusters of a few single organs; （5） the arrangement changed from a linear array to no discernable pattern; （6） there was a significant increase in the number of free neuromasts after metamorphosis. In adult C. semilaevis, free neuromasts were only observed on the abocular side of the head. Thus, there were more free neuromasts located on the abocular side of the head with a higher concentration around the anterior nostril and mouth, which may have a mechanical sensory function to help locate food as an adaptation to a benthic mode of life.展开更多
Subcellular localization and translation of messenger RNAs are essential for the regulation of neuronal development and synaptic function. As post-transcriptional regulators, microRNAs （miRNAs） have been emerging as...Subcellular localization and translation of messenger RNAs are essential for the regulation of neuronal development and synaptic function. As post-transcriptional regulators, microRNAs （miRNAs） have been emerging as central players in the development and maturation of the nervous system. Recent discoveries reveal the critical functions of miRNAs in the axon of neurons via multiple pathways of molecular regulation. Here, we introduce methods for isolating axonal miRNAs and review recent findings on the localization and function as well as regulatory mechanism of axonal miRNAs during axon development.展开更多
基金Foundation items： This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China （90919039 C120106） Acknowledgements We thank the National Institute for Basic Biology, Japan, for the X1073h24 clone.
文摘Xenopus ZFP36L1 （zinc finger protein 36, C3H type-like 1） belongs to the ZFP36 family of RNA-binding proteins, which contains two characteristic tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger domains. The ZFP36 proteins can bind AU-rich elements in 3＇ untranslated regions of target mRNAs and promote their turnover. However, the expression and role of ZFP36 genes during neural development in Xenopus embryos remains largely unknown. The present study showed that Xenopus ZFP36L1 was expressed at the dorsal part of the forebrain, forebrain-midbrain boundary, and midbrain-hindbrain boundary from late neurula stages to tadpole stages of embryonic development. Overexpression of XZFP36L1 in Xenopus embryos inhibited neural induction and differentiation, leading to severe neural tube defects. The function of XZP36L1 requires both its zinc finger and C terminal domains, which also affect its subcellular localization. These results suggest that XZFP36L1 is likely involved in neural development in Xenopus and might play an important role in post-transcriptional regulation.
基金Supported by the earmarked fund for Modem Agro-Industry Technology Research System(CARS-50-G01)the Fund for Outstanding Talents and Innovative Team of Agricultural Scientific Research,the Qingdao Natural Science Foundation(No.12-1-4-12-(1)-jch)the Research Fund for the Postgraduate of Shanghai Ocean University(No.A1-0209-14-0900-5)
文摘This study was conducted to clarify the distribution and morphology of free neuromasts during the development of half-smooth tongue sole （Cynoglossus semilaevis） using scanning electron microscopy. During development, （1） the apical surface of free neuromasts changed in shape from a circle to a four-poiut star; （2） the external structure changed from being level with the epidermis to papilla-like above the level of the epidermis; （3） the neuromast cupula changed from cylindrical to blade-shaped; （4） the free neuromasts went from occurring singly to being in clusters of a few single organs; （5） the arrangement changed from a linear array to no discernable pattern; （6） there was a significant increase in the number of free neuromasts after metamorphosis. In adult C. semilaevis, free neuromasts were only observed on the abocular side of the head. Thus, there were more free neuromasts located on the abocular side of the head with a higher concentration around the anterior nostril and mouth, which may have a mechanical sensory function to help locate food as an adaptation to a benthic mode of life.
文摘Subcellular localization and translation of messenger RNAs are essential for the regulation of neuronal development and synaptic function. As post-transcriptional regulators, microRNAs （miRNAs） have been emerging as central players in the development and maturation of the nervous system. Recent discoveries reveal the critical functions of miRNAs in the axon of neurons via multiple pathways of molecular regulation. Here, we introduce methods for isolating axonal miRNAs and review recent findings on the localization and function as well as regulatory mechanism of axonal miRNAs during axon development.
