mRNPs: Structure and role in development.

In eukaryotic cells, mRNA molecules are coated with numerous RNA-binding proteins and so exist in ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs). The proteins associated with the mRNA regulate the fate of mRNA, including its localization, translation and decay. Before activation of translation, the mRNA does not display any template functions-it is masked.

Xvent-2 expression in regenerating tails.

The tail of tadpole is an excellent model for appendage regeneration studies. We analyzed the distribution pattern of the transcription factor Xvent-2 mRNA and protein in the beginning of the regeneration of tadpole tail stumps after amputation. We revealed the emergence of Xvent-2 mRNA and protein in regeneration bud during the first day after amputation.

The ved protein patterning in zebrafish embryos.

Homeobox transcription factors play an essential role in cells differentiation. The function is realized by the proteins (not by the mRNA) and it is necessary to pay more attention to the protein patterns. In this study we were the first to obtain antibodies against the ved protein, tested their specificity by Western-blot analysis and performed a whole mount immunostaining of zebrafish embryos.

Expression of and mRNAs and encoded proteins in zebrafish embryos.

In (zebrafish), members of the gene-family (, ) are considered as ventralizing factors. We investigated not only the expression of their mRNAs by hybridization at different stages of embryonic development, but also the spatial distribution of the encoded proteins by whole-mount immunostaining. We showed mRNA to be available in embryos since early cleavage and later on.

The proteins of Vent-family and their mRNAs are located in different areas of the tails of Zebrafish and Xenopus embryos.

In molecular embryology, by tacit consent, a presence or absence of the specific mRNA in the cell indicates the presence or absence of the corresponding protein. However, there are lots of evidences that mRNA may be associated with inactive non-translated ribonucleoprotein complexes. Here we for the first time compared the temporal and spatial distribution of the Vent-family transcription factors and their mRNAs in the tails of embryos of two biological species-Xenopus laevis and Zebrafish (Danio reria).