Involvement of the mevalonate pathway in primitive streak formation in mouse embryos. (IMAGE)

Tokyo Medical and Dental University

Involvement of the mevalonate pathway in primitive streak formation in mouse embryos.

Caption

Schematic diagram of mouse embryonic development on the indicated days. Bottom: The mevalonate pathway produces farnesyl diphosphate for cholesterol synthesis, protein geranylgeranylation and protein farnesylation. The farnesylation of various proteins, including small G proteins and the nuclear protein Lamin B1, triggers primitive streak formation. Statins inhibit the induction of primitive streak genes by suppressing protein farnesylation. Consistent with our observations, Hmgcr KO mice and FTase KO mice are embryonic lethal at E8.5 and E7.5, respectively.

Credit

Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute,TMDU

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