Authors:

Bridget A. Baumbich

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About Paper:

Type II Collagens are an essential protein family that provide structure and flexibility in vertebrate structures. Type II collagen plays a particularly crucial role during development because it supports hyaline cartilage, a type of cartilage found in many places, such as the fetal skeleton, joints, and retina. It allows these structures to withstand stress without breaking. Cartilage is composed of two cell types: chondrocytes and perichondrium cells. Chondrocytes make up the majority of cartilage, while the perichondrium is essential for maintaining chondrocytes by providing nutrients and repair factors to the chondrocytes. Currently, much is known about the regulation of Type II collagen alpha 1 (co/2a1) genes in chondrocytes, while little is known about its regulation and secretion in perichondrium cells. In our laboratory, we utilize Danio rerio, the common zebrafish, to study the genetic regulation of the genetically conserved col2a1 gene. Danio rerio have two paralogs to terrestrial vertebrates single co/2a71 gene; in this study, we focus on co/2a1b, which previous research shows is only expressed in perichondral cells [1]. Previously, our laboratory annotated co/2a1b and found potential genetic regulatory transcription factor binding sites [2]. We identified these sites as being conserved across teleost fish and in our gene's paralog. We hypothesize that the genetic regulation of col2a7b is conserved across teleost fish and its paralog. To test our hypothesis, we created reporter plasmids that contain a fluorescent reporter under the control of each isolated potential transcription factor binding site. The expression patterns produced by our reporter constructs support the hypothesis that co/2a1b and its paralog have conserved genetic regulation. Our findings provide insight into the regulation of Type /I collagen genes in the perichondrium. Additionally, these findings may potentially aid in the development of therapeutic strategies related to human Type // Collagen alpha 1 genetic disorders.

Source:

Loyola University Chicago

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Co-authors:

Bridget A. Baumbich