Event Title
AJAP1 and Reelin Expression in Cardiovascular Development and Maturation
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
9-5-2018 1:00 PM
Description
Coronary vessels critically perfuse contractile myocardium. Developmental perturbations of coronary vessels lead to decreased cardiovascular function, increased risk for congenital heart defects, and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Our lab identified two proteins that are speculated to play a critical role in formation and function of coronary vessels during embryogenesis. These proteins are Adherens Junctions Associated Protein-1 (AJAP1) and Reelin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule. Our lab is focused on ascertaining the relevant contributions of these proteins in cardiovascular development. AJAP1 influences tumor growth behavior and vascularization suggesting that it is a tumor marker for cancerous malignancies. Reelin controls neuronal migration and cell layer formation in brain development, and promotes dendritic maturation. The goal of our project is to quantify AJAP1 and Reelin expression in heart development. We hypothesize that AJAP1 and Reelin expression is altered throughout cardiovascular development. Quantitative PCR and western blot analyses of AJAP1 and Reelin expression reveal changes that are inversely correlated with coronary vessel maturation. These findings prompted us to establish an in vitro gene silencing system to analyze AJAP1 and Reelin function. We now show significant knockdown of AJAP1 and RELN expression with this approach. Future studies will reveal the functional basis for AJAP1 and Reelin in coronary vascular development.
Embargo Period
5-30-2018
AJAP1 and Reelin Expression in Cardiovascular Development and Maturation
Philadelphia, PA
Coronary vessels critically perfuse contractile myocardium. Developmental perturbations of coronary vessels lead to decreased cardiovascular function, increased risk for congenital heart defects, and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Our lab identified two proteins that are speculated to play a critical role in formation and function of coronary vessels during embryogenesis. These proteins are Adherens Junctions Associated Protein-1 (AJAP1) and Reelin, an extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule. Our lab is focused on ascertaining the relevant contributions of these proteins in cardiovascular development. AJAP1 influences tumor growth behavior and vascularization suggesting that it is a tumor marker for cancerous malignancies. Reelin controls neuronal migration and cell layer formation in brain development, and promotes dendritic maturation. The goal of our project is to quantify AJAP1 and Reelin expression in heart development. We hypothesize that AJAP1 and Reelin expression is altered throughout cardiovascular development. Quantitative PCR and western blot analyses of AJAP1 and Reelin expression reveal changes that are inversely correlated with coronary vessel maturation. These findings prompted us to establish an in vitro gene silencing system to analyze AJAP1 and Reelin function. We now show significant knockdown of AJAP1 and RELN expression with this approach. Future studies will reveal the functional basis for AJAP1 and Reelin in coronary vascular development.