Transcriptome Analysis of Zyxin Cytoskeletal Protein Levels: Influence on Metabolism and Signaling Pathways in a Model of Xenopus laevis Embryos

Abstract

Objective: Zyxin is a cytoskeletal protein that plays a crucial role in the assembly and restoration of actin filaments. Research conducted in our laboratory utilizing a Xenopus laevis embryo model has demonstrated that zyxin is significantly involved in gene expression regulation and cell differentiation processes. In recent years, we have acquired compelling data suggesting the capacity of this mechanosensitive protein to participate in mechanisms that link morphogenetic movements to the expression of genes responsible for axial structure formation and stem cell maintenance during embryogenesis. In this article, we present the latest findings from our investigation into genes, signaling pathways, and biological processes regulated in conjunction with zyxin activity. Methods: High-throughput mRNA sequencing was performed on RNA pools from X. laevis embryonic cells at the neurula stage. This analysis included samples with normal zyxin function, as well as those with increased or suppressed zyxin function induced by morpholino oligomers (MO). Results and Discussion: Bioinformatics analysis enabled identification of zyxin-dependent signaling pathways and biological processes essential for embryogenesis from a comprehensive gene dataset. Our results indicate that zyxin expression suppression leads to alterations in expression profiles of genes involved in more than 16 distinct signaling cascades and impacts 27 biological processes. The most pronounced effects were observed in processes associated with morphogenesis and gene expression regulation. Conclusions: These findings hold significant fundamental implications. Investigating zyxinʼs role in transducing mechanical stimuli to gene expression machinery is vital for understanding coordination between biomechanics and differentiation during embryogenesis. Furthermore, this research may facilitate utilization of zyxin as a potential diagnostic marker for various diseases.