The EGF-CFC gene family in vertebrate development.
Trends Genet
; 16(7): 303-9, 2000 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10858660
ABSTRACT
EGF-CFC genes encode extracellular proteins that play key roles in intercellular signaling pathways during vertebrate embryogenesis. Mutations in zebrafish and mouse EGF-CFC genes lead to defects in germ-layer formation, anterior-posterior axis orientation and left-right axis specification. In addition, members of the EGF-CFC family have been implicated in carcinogenesis. Although formerly regarded as signaling molecules that are distant relatives of epidermal growth factor (EGF), recent findings indicate that EGF-CFC proteins act as essential cofactors for Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family. Here, we review molecular genetic evidence from mouse and zebrafish on biological and biochemical roles of the EGF-CFC family, and discuss differing models for EGF-CFC protein function.
Search on Google
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Vertebrates
/
Multigene Family
/
Growth Substances
/
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
/
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Trends Genet
Journal subject:
GENETICA
Year:
2000
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Estados Unidos