Loss of flrt2 gene leads to microphthalmia in zebrafish.

As a member of the fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane (flrt) gene family, fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane 2 (flrt2) is strongly expressed in a subset of sclerotome cells, and the resultant protein interacts with FGFR1 in the FGF signaling pathway during development. Studies on flrt2 have focused mainly on its roles in the brain, heart and chondrogenesis. However, reports on its expression and function in the zebrafish retina are lacking.

mA writer complex promotes timely differentiation and survival of retinal progenitor cells in zebrafish.

N-Methyladenosine (mA) is the most prevalent internal modification in eukaryotic mRNAs that modulates mRNA metabolism and function. Most mA modifications on mRNAs are catalyzed by a core writer complex consisting of a methyltransferase, Mettl3, and two ancillary components, Mettl14 and Wtap. Recent studies have demonstrated important roles of mA in various physiological and pathological processes, such as stem cell multipotency, cell differentiation, and cancer progression.