Int. J. Dev. Biol. 49: 59 - 63 (2005)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.051982ss

Vol 49, Issue 1

Developmental expression of Pod 1 in Xenopus laevis

Developmental Expression Pattern | Published: 1 March 2005

Subreena Simrick, Karine Massé and Elizabeth A. Jones*

Molecular Physiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Warwick University, Coventry, U.K.

Abstract

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, Pod 1, has been shown to be expressed in the mesenchyme of many developing mouse organs, including the heart, lungs and gut. In the kidneys of developing mice, Pod 1is highly expressed in the condensing metanephric mesenchyme, differentiating and late stromal cells and in developing podocytes. We have obtained an EST (CF270487) which contains the Xenopus laevis Pod 1sequence. Conceptual translation of the Xenopus laevis Pod 1sequence shows approximately 85% similarity to other vertebrate homologues. RT-PCR indicates that expression is initiated at stage 13 and increases differentially in the developing pronephros compared to the whole embryo. RT-PCR of a kidney dissection at stage 42 shows higher expression in the glomus than in the tubule or duct. In situhybridisation analysis at tail bud stages shows the anterior-most branchial arch and pronephric glomus are intensely stained. At stage 40, staining persists in the glomus and in the epicardium region of the heart. Adult organ analysis shows expression is highest in the rectum and the spleen, with significant expression in the duodenum, heart, kidney, lungs, pancreas, skin, liver and muscle.

Keywords

Pod 1, epicardin, capsulin, transcription factor 21, glomus