Aebp2 as an Epigenetic Regulator for Neural Crest Cells
2011

Aebp2's Role in Neural Crest Cells

Sample size: 28 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kim Hana, Kang Keunsoo, Ekram Muhammad B., Roh Tae-Young, Kim Joomyeong

Primary Institution: Louisiana State University

Hypothesis

Aebp2 is essential for the migration and development of neural crest cells.

Conclusion

Aebp2 is crucial for early mouse development, and its mutation leads to phenotypes similar to human genetic disorders.

Supporting Evidence

  • Aebp2-mutant homozygotes were embryonic lethal while heterozygotes survived to adulthood.
  • Heterozygotes displayed phenotypes similar to those observed in human patients with Hirschsprung's disease and Waardenburg syndrome.
  • ChIP analyses showed that many genes involved in neural crest cell migration are downstream targets of AEBP2 and PRC2.
  • Expression analyses confirmed that some of these genes are affected in the Aebp2 heterozygotes.

Takeaway

Aebp2 helps certain cells in developing mice move and grow properly, and when it's not working right, the mice can have serious health problems.

Methodology

The study used a mutant mouse line to investigate the roles of Aebp2 in neural crest cell development.

Limitations

The study primarily used whole embryos rather than isolating specific cell types for analysis.

Participant Demographics

Mice used in the study were of mixed genetic background (129/B6).

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0022

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025174

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