Metallocarboxypeptidase Z is dynamically expressed in mouse development

Metallocarboxypeptidase Z (CPZ), a new member of the regulatory metallocarb oxypeptidases, contains a 120-residue cysteine-rich region that has 20-35% amino acid sequence identity to Drosophila and mammalian Frizzled proteins. In order to gain insights into the function of CPZ, we have examined the d istribution of the protein by immunohistochemistry throughout mouse develop ment. The expression of CPZ peaks at E9-E12, decreases in late gestation an d falls further in adult tissues. CPZ expression in amnion cells, cochlear epithelial cells and surrounding mesenchyme, ventricular lining cells in th e brain and cartilagenous condensations and surrounding connective tissue i n ribs remains at high levels throughout mouse gestation. The expression pa ttern of CPZ overlaps with the expression pattern of several Wnt genes, con sistent with the putative role of CPZ in Wnt signaling. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.