Igf2bp3 role during Left-Right axis symmetry breakage

The Igf2bps are a highly conserved family of oncofetal RNA binding proteins. They are involved in many aspects of RNA regulation, such as translation, localization, alternative splicing, degradation, protection from degradation and RNA modifications. It has been previously shown that in the frog X.laevis, Igf2bp3 plays an important role throughout embryonic development, from determining correct oogenesis and later on in the developing embryo . To date, little is known about the involvement of Igf2bp in the left-right symmetry breakage and in the establishment of this axis, which ultimately determines the localization of the inner organs. The left-right organizer (LRO), which is established during neurulation, is located in the dorsal aspect of the gastrocoel roof plate (GRP). The motile monociliate cells in the GRP create a leftward flow, causing induction of the nodal cascade in the left lateral GRP cells that contain sensory, immotile cilia. In my research, I have begun to elucidate the role of Igf2bp3 in left / right axis formation during X.laevis development.

I have shown by IF that Igf2bp3 localizes to the GRP cells.Perturbing the protein function using both CRISPR technology and antisense morpholinos causes left/right defects and mislocalization of known left/right markers. In addition, upon comparing control GRP to the knockdown embryos, we observe mislocalization of primary cilia to the posterior pole of the cell and more than a single cilium in each cell. Furthermore there is an increase in the levels of actin in the GRP cells, and the GRP appears deformative.