Cubilin's Role in Mouse Embryonic Development
Author Information
Author(s): Brian T. Smith, Jason C. Mussell, Paul A. Fleming, Jeremy L. Barth, Demetri D. Spyropoulos, Marion A. Cooley, Christopher J. Drake, W. Scott Argraves
Primary Institution: Medical University of South Carolina
Hypothesis
Cubilin is essential for embryonic development, particularly in the formation of endoderm and somites.
Conclusion
Cubilin is required for embryonic development and is essential for the formation of somites, definitive endoderm, and visceral endoderm, as well as for the absorptive function of the visceral endoderm.
Supporting Evidence
- Cubilin gene deletion is homozygous embryonic lethal with death occurring between 7.5–13.5 days post coitum.
- Cubilin-deficient embryos display developmental retardation and do not advance morphologically beyond the gross appearance of wild-type 8–8.5 dpc embryos.
- Somite formation does not occur in cubilin mutants.
- Cubilin-deficient VE is functionally defective, unable to mediate uptake of maternally derived high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Takeaway
Cubilin is a protein that helps embryos grow properly, and without it, they can't develop important structures like somites.
Methodology
The study involved generating cubilin-deficient mice and analyzing their embryonic development through genotypic and morphological assessments.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on mouse models, which may not fully represent human embryonic development.
Participant Demographics
Mice were used in the study, specifically cubilin-deficient and wild-type strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0074
Statistical Significance
p=0.0074
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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