NOVEL EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PROTEIN IN FETAL HEART

该研究计划提出了克隆、鉴定表达和 一种新的细胞外基质蛋白的初步功能分析 发育中的大鼠心脏。最初编码这种蛋白质的基因(基因X) 是由应聘者在工作期间在人类胎儿肾上腺中鉴定的 主办方是实验室。令人高兴的是，最近的观察表明 X基因在人胎儿心脏中有显著的表达。蛋白 同源性分析表明，X基因之间存在显著的同源性 蛋白质和特性良好的细胞外基质蛋白，包括 纤维连接蛋白和Tenascin，这两个似乎都是重要的心脏 形态发生。人类基因产品的进展因 缺乏用于分析的高质量人体组织。的确有 强有力的推定证据表明X基因在胎儿体内存在并表达 老鼠心。对基因X的功能有更全面的了解 蛋白质要求开发一个动物模型系统，这是一个目标 提案将会实现。

The research plan proposes the cloning, characterization of expression and initial functional analysis of a novel extracellular matrix protein in the developing rat heart. The gene encoding this protein (gene X) initially was identified in the human fetal adrenal by the candidate while working in the sponsors laboratory. Happily, recent observations have shown that there is significant gene X expression in human fetal heart. Protein homology analysis has demonstrated significant homology between the gene X protein and well-characterized extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin and tenascin, both of which appear to be important in cardiac morphogenesis. Progress on the human gene product has been slowed by the lack of availability of high quality human tissues for analysis. There is strong presumptive evidence that gene X exists and is expressed in fetal rat heart. A more complete understanding of the function of the gene X protein mandates development of a model animal system, a goal which this proposal will accomplish.