PUBLICATION

Analysis of the c-ski protooncogene structure and function in zebrafish embryogenesis (Danio rerio, ski)

Authors
Kaufman, C.D.
ID
ZDB-PUB-021016-82
Date
1998
Source
Ph.D. Thesis : (Thesis)
Registered Authors
Kaufman, Christopher
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
none
PubMed
none
Abstract
The oncogene v-ski was originally identified as the transforming gene of the avian leukosis virus SKV. Both v-ski and its cellular homologue c-ski have been suggested to have a role in both cellular proliferation and differentiation. The c-ski gene product is localized to the nucleus and modulates transcription. A ski-transgenic mouse demonstrated a function for Ski in myogenesis while a ski-knockout mouse revealed an additional role in neurogenesis. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) used as a vertebrate model system in the following analyses has many advantages. The ability to obtain large numbers of externally developing, synchronous embryos permits temporal and spatial dissection of ski expression. The ease of injection of synthetic RNA into one-cell stage embryos allows overexpression of ski during early development. Detailed analysis by light microscopy of the effects from altering the function of endogenous Ski is easily performed due to the optical clarity of the zebrafish embryo. The goals of my research were to: (i) isolate and examine the structure of the ski gene in zebrafish, (ii) determine the potential functions of this gene in early embryogenesis by assaying its endogenous expression, and (iii) test its functional role(s) by altering the endogenous levels of Ski. RNA analysis of early embryos showed ski was synthesized maternally and present at low levels in most embryonic and adult tissues. This led to my hypothesis that Ski functions early in embryogenesis and functions in a more global fashion than regulation of myogenesis or neurogenesis.
Errata / Notes
Ph.D. Thesis, University of Minnesota
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping