University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Altered FRG1 Levels During Xenopus Laevis Development Leads to Muscular and Vascular Phenotypes Supporting a Role for the Misregulation of FRG1 in FSHD

Wuebbles, Ryan David

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Description

Title
Altered FRG1 Levels During Xenopus Laevis Development Leads to Muscular and Vascular Phenotypes Supporting a Role for the Misregulation of FRG1 in FSHD
Author(s)
Wuebbles, Ryan David
Issue Date
2009
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
  • Belmont, Andrew S.
  • Peter L. Jones
Department of Study
Cell and Developmental Biology
Discipline
Cell and Developmental Biology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Cell
Language
eng
Abstract
The genetic lesion diagnostic for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) results in an epigenetic misregulation of gene expression, which in turn is what ultimately leads to the disease pathology. FRG1 (FSHD region gene 1) is a leading candidate gene whose misexpression may lead to FSHD. As FSHD pathology is most prominent in the musculature, most research and therapy efforts have focused on muscle cells. However, between 50-75% of FSHD patients also exhibit retinal vasculopathy and FSHD muscle has increased levels of vascular-endothelial related transcripts, suggesting an underappreciated vascular component to the disease. Using Xenopus laevis as a model, we have shown a previously unsuspected role for FRG1 in the development of both muscular and vascular structures. Furthermore, overexpression of frg1 displays disrupted muscle and dilated and tortuous vessels, phenocopying the symptoms of FSHD patients. Thus, our work strongly supports a role for FRG1 in FSHD disease pathology.
Graduation Semester
2009
Type of Resource
text
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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/86325

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