Degree Type
Honors Capstone Project
Date of Submission
Spring 5-1-2008
Capstone Advisor
Craig Albertson
Honors Reader
Larry Wolf
Capstone Major
Biology
Capstone College
Arts and Science
Audio/Visual Component
no
Capstone Prize Winner
no
Won Capstone Funding
no
Honors Categories
Sciences and Engineering
Subject Categories
Biology
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors are a family of intercellular signaling molecules that participate in the normal growth of the craniofacial skeleton. Advances in molecular genetics have revealed that fibroblast growth factors are involved in the regulation of bone growth by maintaining a balance between the differentiation of osteoblasts and the proliferation of mesenchyme (Morriss-Kay and Wilkie, 2005). The focus of my research is fibroblast growth factor 20a because it seems to play a significant role in the normal development of the skull. At birth, the skull is made up of bony elements, that meet at fibrous membranes called sutures. Throughout development, those bony elements fuse together at different rates to form solid bone. Previous research has shown that zebrafish deficient in fgf20a, which are referred to as dob mutants, have abnormal suture patterning and exhibit several craniofacial defects that are similar in presentation to the defects seen in individuals with craniosynostosis (Albertson, unpublished data). Craniosynostosis is a birth defect that is caused by the premature closure of sutures and is characterized by an irregular craniofacial shape. Using whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) methods and advanced microscopic imaging, I gained insights into the pathological mechanisms that lead to aberrant suture formation in humans. Our research results suggest that fgf20a directly affects suture and skull development. We have demonstrated this in two ways. Firstly, we showed that in the absence of fgf20a, zebrafish have abnormal suture patterning. Secondly, we showed that the fgf20a gene is normally expressed in the cranial sutures of wild-type zebrafish through WISH methods. Our results are important because this is the first instance where an fgf ligand is implicated in craniosynostosis. Furthermore, we have established a molecular foothold (via fgf20a) into skull and suture development, and we have established a model system for studying the developmental origins and mechanisms of craniosynostosis.
Recommended Citation
Adams, Julie, "The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 20a in the Craniofacial Development of Zebrafish" (2008). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 529.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/529
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