Abstract
Asymmetrically distributed cytoplasmic determinants collectively termed germ plasm have been shown to play an essential role in the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs). Here, we report the identification of a nanos-like (nanos1) gene, which is expressed in the germ plasm and in the PGCs of the zebrafish. We find that several mechanisms act in concert to restrict the activity of Nanos1 to the germ cells including RNA localization and control over the stability and translatability of the RNA. Reducing the level of Nanos1 in zebrafish embryos revealed an essential role for the protein in ensuring proper migration and survival of PGCs in this vertebrate model organism.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Cell Movement
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Cell Survival
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Germ Cells / metabolism*
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In Situ Hybridization
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Insect Proteins / genetics*
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Insect Proteins / physiology*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / genetics*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / physiology*
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
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Plasmids / metabolism
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RNA / metabolism
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RNA-Binding Proteins*
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Time Factors
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Zebrafish
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Zebrafish Proteins / genetics
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Zebrafish Proteins / physiology*
Substances
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Drosophila Proteins
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Insect Proteins
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RNA-Binding Proteins
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Zebrafish Proteins
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nanos3 protein, zebrafish
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nos protein, Drosophila
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RNA
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I