Int. J. Dev. Biol. 42: 221 - 224 (1998)

Vol 42, Issue 2

Identification of elf1, a beta-spectrin, in early mouse liver development

Published: 1 March 1998

L Mishra, T Cai, A Levine, D Weng, E Mezey, B Mishra and J Gearhart

Department of Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA. mishra.lopa@washington.va.gov

Abstract

Beta-spectrins play essential roles in cell-cell interactions and in the maintenance of cell polarity. Our aim was to identify beta-spectrin genes important for the establishment of hepatocyte polarity and differentiation. Using subtractive screening of cDNA libraries from early embryonic mouse livers (post-coital days 10, 11, and 12), we have isolated elf1 (embryonic liver fodrin 1), a differentially expressed beta-spectrin or fodrin (betaSpIIsigmaI). Elf1 encodes a 220-amino acid protein with an NH2 terminal actin-binding domain. In situ hybridization studies demonstrate elf1 expression initially in day 10 embryonic heart tissue, then in day 11-11.5 hepatic tissue. These studies suggest that elf1 may play a role in the emergence of hepatocyte polarity during liver development.