The EGF- CFC gene family in vertebrate development.
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.[1]References
- The EGF-CFC gene family in vertebrate development. Shen, M.M., Schier, A.F. Trends Genet. (2000) [Pubmed]
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