References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:1298291
J Number: J:50306
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Neurofibromin modulation of ras activity is required for normal endocardial-mesenchymal transformation in the developing heart.
Authors: Lakkis MM; Epstein JA
Journal: Development
Volume: 125
Issue: 22
Date: 1998 Nov
Year: 1998
Pages: 4359-67
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
Endocardial cushions are the precursors of the cardiac valves and form by a process of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Secreted growth factors from myocardium induce endocardial cells to transform into mesenchyme and invade the overlying extracellular matrix. Here, we show that the product of the Nf1 neurofibromatosis gene is required to regulate this event. In the absence of neurofibromin, mouse embryo hearts develop overabundant endocardial cushions due to hyperproliferation and lack of normal apoptosis. Neurofibromin deficiency in explant cultures is reproduced by activation of ras signaling pathways, and the Nf1(-/-) mutant phenotype is prevented by inhibiting ras in vitro. These results indicate that neurofibromin normally acts to modulate epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and proliferation in the developing heart by down regulating ras activity.
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