Noggin protein

: Also known as NOG

The NOG gene provides instructions for making a protein called noggin. This protein is involved in the development of many body tissues, including nerve tissue, muscles, and bones. Noggin's role in bone development makes it important for proper joint formation.

Noggin interacts with members of a group of proteins called bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). These proteins help control the development of bone and other tissues. In order to begin these developmental processes, BMPs attach (bind) to other proteins called receptors, and this binding stimulates specific cellular processes. The noggin protein regulates the activity of certain BMPs by attaching to them and blocking them from binding to the receptor, which leads to a decrease in BMP signaling.

Tarsal-carpal coalition syndrome: caused by mutations in the NOG gene

Characterized by:  fusion of the individual bones in the wrists (the carpal bones) and in the ankles (the tarsal bones) as well as fusion at the joints between the bones that make up each finger and toe (symphalangism). Symphalangism makes the fingers and toes stiff and difficult to bend.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)

A group of growth factors also known as cytokines and as metabologens. Also, a group of pivotal morphogenetic signals, orchestrating tissue architecture throughout the body. They have ability to induce the formation of bone and cartilage.

They have an important role during embryonic development on the embryonic patterning and early skeletal formation. As such, disruption of BMP signaling can affect the body plan of the developing embryo. BMp4 and its inhibitors noggin and chordin help regulate polarity of the embryo. Specifically BMP-4 and its inhibitors play a major role in neurulation and the development of the neural plate. BMP-4 signals ectoderm cells to develop into skin cells, but the secretion of inhibitors by the underlying mesoderm blocks the action of BMP-4 to allow the ectoderm to continue on its normal course of neural cell development.

Chimeras

Chimeras are animals composed of cells that originate from two (or more) different species. In the research lab, chimeras are created by introducing cells from one species into the developing embryo or fetus of another. (The name chimera comes from Greek mythology and describes a creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent).

The first chimeras helped scientists understand questions about developmental biology. A sheep-goat chimera, created in 1984, had the head of a goat and the woolly coat of a sheep.

Now, researchers are developing human-animal chimeras to study disease processes, test new drugs, and develop organs for future transplant patients. The chimeras are produced by introducing human stem cells into developing animal embryos.

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/S/Spemann.html

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/NOG