This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Our research focuses on the molecular, cellular, and genetic regulation of mesoderm differentiation in embryonic stem (ES) cells, and during development. We have studied the bHLH transcription factor, pMesogenin1, which is required for proper paraxial mesoderm development. Towards understanding pMesogenin1's action mechanisms, we performed transcriptome analyses in pMesogenin1 null and wild type embryos. One gene whose expression was increased in pMesogenin1-deficient samples encodes a novel secreted protein, Cristin1 (cysteine-rich and single TSR domain containing protein 1, also known as R-spondin3). In searching sequence databases, we identified three Cristin1 homologues in the human and mouse genome (Cristin 2, 3, and 4). Our current research efforts focus primarily on determining the in vivo roles and signaling mechanisms of the R-spondin family utilizing molecular, cell biological and genetic approaches in tissue culture and mouse models.
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