Abstract
Heterotrimeric G proteins of the Gq class have been implicated in
signaling pathways regulating cardiac growth under physiological
and pathological conditions. Knockout mice carrying inactivating
mutations in both of the widely expressed G alpha q class genes,
G alpha q and G alpha 11, demonstrate that at least two active alleles
of these genes are required for extrauterine life. Mice carrying
only one intact allele G alpha q(-/+);G alpha 11(-/-) or G alpha
q(-/-);G alpha 11(-/+) died shortly after birth. These mutants showed
a high incidence of cardiac malformation. In addition, G alpha q(-/-);G
alpha 11(-/+) newborns suffered from craniofacial defects. Mice lacking
both G alpha q and G alpha 11 G alpha q(-/-);G alpha 11(-/-) died
at embryonic day 11 due to cardiomyocyte hypoplasia. These data demonstrate
overlap in G alpha q and G alpha 11 gene functions and indicate that
the Gq class of G proteins plays a crucial role in cardiac growth
and development.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).