Xenopus FK 506-binding protein, a novel immunophilin expressed during early development

Xenopus FK 506-binding protein, a novel immunophilin expressed during early development

FK 506-binding proteins (FKBPs) are a family of cytosolic proteins identified by virtue of their ability to bind the immunosuppressants FK 506 and rapamycin. While their function has been extensively studied in the immune system, little is known about their role during early embryonic development. Here we describe the cloning and expression of a new Xenopus FKBP (xFKBP). xFKBP encodes a 63-kDa ...

Effect of FK 506 on FK-binding protein and transforming growth factor beta gene expression.

Xolloid-related: a novel BMP1/Tolloid-related metalloprotease is expressed during early Xenopus development

We have identified a novel Tolloid-like metalloprotease, called Xolloid-related (Xlr), that is expressed during early Xenopus development. Transcripts for xlr are localized to the marginal zone of mid-gastrulae and are most abundant in ventral and lateral sectors. At neurula stages xlr is strongly expressed around the blastopore and in the pharyngeal endoderm, and more weakly expressed througho...

Circadian Genes Are Expressed during Early Development in Xenopus laevis

BACKGROUND Circadian oscillators are endogenous time-keeping mechanisms that drive twenty four hour rhythmic changes in gene expression, metabolism, hormone levels, and physical activity. We have examined the developmental expression of genes known to regulate circadian rhythms in order to better understand the ontogeny of the circadian clock in a vertebrate. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In...

Darmin is a novel secreted protein expressed during endoderm development in Xenopus.

Endoderm development is an area of intense interest in developmental biology, but progress has been hampered by the lack of specific markers for differentiated endodermal cells. In an unbiased secretion cloning screen of Xenopus gastrula embryos we isolated a novel gene, designated Darmin. Darmin encodes a secreted protein of 56 kDa containing a peptidase M20 domain characteristic of the glutam...