xvii, 125 p. : ill. (some col.) A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. / MicroRNAs are small regulatory RNAs that control various developmental and physiological processes in animals and plants. To study the involvement of microRNAs in skeletal development, I manipulated the expression of miR-140, which is strongly expressed in the developing skeleton, and miR-196, which is located among the body patterning Hox cluster genes. I found that miR-140 regulates zebrafish palate formation by interfering with neural crest cell migration through the inhibition of the expression of the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha ( pdgfra ) gene. I also found that miR196 regulates zebrafish pectoral fin initiation by regulating the expression of the retinoic acid receptor alpha b ( rarab ) gene and that miR-196 is involved in the patterning of zebrafish pharyngeal arches and vertebrae. These results illuminate previously unknown regulatory mechanisms of skeletal development. I also reviewed current knowledge concerning microRNAs in skeletal development and evolution and discussed potential relationships between microRNAs and skeletal disease.
This dissertation includes previously published and unpublished coauthored material. / Committee in charge: Judith Eisen, Chairperson, Biology;
John Postlethwait, Advisor, Biology;
Charles Kimmel, Member, Biology;
William Cresko, Member, Biology;
J. Andrew Berglund, Outside Member, Chemistry
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uoregon.edu/oai:scholarsbank.uoregon.edu:1794/11187 |
| Date | 09 1900 |
| Creators | He, Xinjun, 1982- |
| Publisher | University of Oregon |
| Source Sets | University of Oregon |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Relation | University of Oregon theses, Dept. of Biology, Ph. D., 2010; |
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