PUBLICATION

Dynamic expression of sparc precedes formation of skeletal elements in the Medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Authors
Renn, J., Schaedel, M., Volff, J.N., Goerlich, R., Schartl, M., and Winkler, C.
ID
ZDB-PUB-110414-4
Date
2006
Source
Gene   372: 208-218 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Renn, Joerg, Schartl, Manfred, Winkler, Christoph
Keywords
Bone formation, Cartilage, Osteonectin, Collagen type1, Twist, Medaka
MeSH Terms
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Bone Development/genetics
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian/cytology
  • Embryonic Development/genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Genome
  • Head
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Musculoskeletal System/embryology*
  • Musculoskeletal System/metabolism*
  • Notochord/metabolism
  • Oryzias/embryology*
  • Oryzias/genetics*
  • Osteonectin/chemistry
  • Osteonectin/genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Messenger/genetics
  • RNA, Messenger/metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Spine/metabolism
PubMed
16545530 Full text @ Gene
Abstract
Sparc is a secreted calcium-binding glycoprotein that regulates mineralization of bone tissues in mammals. In other vertebrates, its function remains largely unclear. Here, we describe the isolation, genomic organization and expression of the sparc gene in the teleost Medaka (Oryzias latipes), an established vertebrate model for developmental studies. During earliest stages of Medaka embryogenesis, sparc is expressed in the sclerotome compartment of the somites that gives rise to precursor cells of the axial skeleton. Importantly, in this area its expression precedes that of twist-1, which is a crucial regulator of osteoblast formation. Dynamic expression is also found in the floor plate of the neural tube and the notochord. Both structures are passed by migrating skeletal precursors shortly before they differentiate and form the vertebrae. In general, sparc is expressed before the formation and mineralization of bone elements and expression of bone markers like collagen type 1a in the fins and axial skeleton of Medaka embryos. It is also expressed in several non-skeletal tissues of embryos and adult fish, suggesting possible other functions not related to bone mineralization. Taken together, the Medaka sparc gene represents an excellent marker for early sclerotome development. Its restricted and highly dynamic expression suggests a novel function during migration of sclerotome cells and their differentiation into early vertebrae. This marker thus allows the analysis of early skeletal development and formation of extracellular bone matrix in this vertebrate model.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping