1uiz
From Proteopedia
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Crystal Structure Of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor From Xenopus Laevis.
Overview
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an immunoregulatory, cytokine involved in both acquired and innate immunity. MIF also has many, functions outside the immune system, such as isomerase and oxidoreductase, activities and control of cell proliferation. Considering the involvement, of MIF in various intra- and extracellular events, we expected that MIF, might also be important in vertebrate development. To elucidate the, possible role of MIF in developmental processes, we knocked down MIF in, embryos of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, using MIF-specific, morpholino oligomers (MOs). For the synthesis of the MOs, we cloned a cDNA, for a Xenopus homolog of MIF. Sequence analysis, determination of the, isomerase activity, and x-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that the, protein encoded by the cDNA was the ortholog of mammalian MIF. We carried, out whole mount in situ hybridization of MIF mRNA and found that MIF was, expressed at high levels in the neural tissues of normal embryos. Although, early embryogenesis of MO-injected embryos proceeded normally until the, gastrula stage, their neurulation was completely inhibited. At the tailbud, stage, the MO-injected embryos lacked neural and mesodermal tissues, and, also showed severe defects in their head and tail structures. Thus, MIF, was found to be essential for axis formation and neural development of, Xenopus embryos.
About this Structure
1UIZ is a Single protein structure of sequence from Xenopus laevis. Full crystallographic information is available from OCA.
Reference
Xenopus laevis macrophage migration inhibitory factor is essential for axis formation and neural development., Suzuki M, Takamura Y, Maeno M, Tochinai S, Iyaguchi D, Tanaka I, Nishihira J, Ishibashi T, J Biol Chem. 2004 May 14;279(20):21406-14. Epub 2004 Mar 15. PMID:15024012
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