Is Required for the Migration and Survival of a Subpopulation of Trigeminal Cranial Neural Crest Cells.

The development of key structures within the mature vertebrate hindbrain requires the migration of neural crest (NC) cells and motor neurons to their appropriate target sites. Functional analyses in multiple species have revealed a requirement for the transcription factor gastrulation-brain-homeobox 2 (Gbx2) in NC cell migration and positioning of motor neurons in the developing hindbrain. In addition, loss of function studies in mutant mouse embryos, , demonstrate a requirement for for the development of NC-derived sensory neurons and axons constituting the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CNV).

Muscle Protein Signaling in C2C12 Cells Is Stimulated to Similar Degrees by Diverse Commercial Food Protein Sources and Experimental Soy Protein Hydrolysates.

Dietary protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis and is essential for muscle health. We developed a screening assay using C2C12 mouse muscle cells to assess the relative abilities of diverse commercial protein sources and experimental soy protein hydrolysates (ESH), after simulated gut digestion (SGD), to activate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex I (mTORC1) muscle protein synthesis signaling pathway (p70S6K phosphorylation). Activation of mTORC1 was expressed as a percentage of a maximal insulin response.

Elongation factor 1 alpha1 and genes associated with Usher syndromes are downstream targets of GBX2.

Gbx2 encodes a DNA-binding transcription factor that plays pivotal roles during embryogenesis. Gain-and loss-of-function studies in several vertebrate species have demonstrated a requirement for Gbx2 in development of the anterior hindbrain, spinal cord, inner ear, heart, and neural crest cells. However, the target genes through which GBX2 exerts its effects remain obscure.