Expression of the RNA recognition motif-containing protein SEB-4 during Xenopus embryonic development

RNA binding proteins play key roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Here we present the molecular cloning and spatio-tempor al expression of Xseb-4, which codes for a putative RNA binding protein con taining a single RNA recognition motif (RRM). XSEB-4 shares 60-65% identity with the mammalian SEB-4 proteins. Xseb-4 is strongly expressed maternally . Zygotic transcription is initiated in the early gastrula embryo in paraxi al mesoderm that is fated to give :rise to somites. During the course of ga strulation and neurulation Xseb-4 expression in semitic paraxial mesoderm i s centered within the XmyoD expression domain. As development proceeds Xseb -4 expression is in addition initiated in the cardiac primordium and the le ns vesicle. In the heart expression is confined to the myocardium. Thus, th e RRM-containing putative RNA binding protein XSEB-4 is differentially expr essed during embryonic development in Xenopus. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ir eland Ltd. All rights reserved.