Publications by authors named "Mikael Egebjerg Pedersen"
Coordinated expression of cell adhesion and signaling molecules is crucial for brain development. Here, we report that the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) type I receptor SMA-6 (small-6) acts independently of its cognate TGF-β type II receptor DAF-4 (dauer formation-defective-4) to control neuronal guidance. SMA-6 directs neuronal development from the hypodermis through interactions with three, orphan, TGF-β ligands.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - The study highlights the importance of glycosylation in proteoglycans for proper animal development, indicating that balance in sugar chains is essential.
- - Researchers found that the microRNA mir-79 in *Caenorhabditis elegans* regulates this glycosylation process by targeting two key proteins involved in proteoglycan biosynthesis.
- - A loss of mir-79 leads to neurodevelopmental issues due to disruptions in a biosynthetic pathway, affecting heparan sulfate production and ultimately hindering neuronal migration.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Searsia dentata and Searsia pyroides are used in traditional South African medicine to treat convulsions and epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts of these plants comprise compounds that bind to the flumazenil-sensitive site on the GABA(A) receptor. However, their use as anticonvulsant medicinal plants cannot be adequately explained by these findings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF