Project description:Brachydactyly type A1 (BDA1), due to mutations in IHH, is characterized with shortened and/or missing middle phalangeal bones. These mutations alter the capacity and range of IHH signaling, reducing mesenchymal cells recruiting into the cartilage anlagen of a growing digit, result in a shorter middle phalange. However, reason for a missing middle phalange is unclear. Here, in IhhE95K BDA1 mouse, we showed a link to impaired apoptosis normally needed for interzone cavitation, thus a joint is not formed and the middle phalange is deemed absence. Hedgehog interacting partners (PTCH, CDON, GAS1and HHIP) are expressed in the interzone. Our data support a model for interzone cavitation, where CDON/GAS1 function as dependency receptors. Normally, IHH level is low at the center of the interzone, and the “ligand-free” CDON/GAS1 activate cell death for cavitation. In BDA1 joint, this is suppressed due to excess IHH. Our findings provided new insights into the role of IHH and CDON in joint formation, with relevance to hedgehog signaling in developmental biology.
Project description:Here, we report the metagenomic analysis of the gut of Atelerix albiventris, an animal typically kept as a pet in Kazakhstan. In this case, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the RNA and DNA viral community was performed.
Project description:To assess if Hedgehog (Hh) responding cells in the skin have a unique expression profile, isolated keratinocytes that express the Hh response gene Gli1 were collected by FACS and their gene expression was compared to sorted CD34-expressing cells from the middle bulge region of the hair follicle and to cells from the interfollicular epidermis (IFE) by hybridization of isolated RNA to gene expression microarrays.
