Fine-tuning of Hh signaling by the RNA-binding protein Quaking to control muscle development

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.059121
• Publication Date: 2011-03-30T00:56:05Z
• Authors: Riadh Lobbardi; Guillaume Lambert; Jue Zhao; Robert Geisler; Hyejeong R. Kim; Frederic M. Rosa
• Keywords: Cell fate determination

The development of the different muscles within somite is a complex process that involves Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. To specify proper number muscle cells and organize them spatially temporally, Hh pathway needs to be precisely regulated at levels, but only few factors external have been described. Here, we report for first time role STAR family RNA-binding protein Quaking A (QkA) in development. We show zebrafish loss QkA function affects fast fiber maturation as well Hh-induced derivative specification and/or morphogenesis. Mosaic analysis reveals depends on activity environment progenitors. further requires By an silico approach, screened 3'UTRs known component mRNAs response element found transcription factor Gli2a, regulator fate Using destabilized GFP reporter, gli2a mRNA 3'UTR functional target. Consistent with this notion, rescued slow fibers yot mutant embryos, which express dominant-negative Gli2a isoform. Thus, our results reveal new mechanism ensure cell diversity by fine-tuning via proteins.