Objective We propose a detailed analysis of two zebrafish mutants with craniofacial and heart defects. Our goal is to isolate and characterize the mutated genes that are crucial for vertebrate development. The immediate goal for these two years is to map and clone the mutations and perform an extensive analysis of mutant phenotypes using in situ hybridizations, histological analysis and transplantation experiments. We will attempt to positionally clone the mutated genes using modern molecular genetic tools and taking advantage of the powerful techniques of zebrafish genetics. If novel genes are thus identified, their mammalian homologues will then be sought by in silico screening of EST databases. Molecular characterization of the genes will be completed and we will micro-inject DNA to mutant embryos to rescue the phenotype. We hope that this work will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of congenital human diseases of craniofacial structures and valve malformations. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabasesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutationmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinetransplantationmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineembryology Programme(s) FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002 Topic(s) 1.1.1.-5. - Key action Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships) Coordinator Forschungzentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH EU contribution No data Address Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1 85764 Neuherberg Germany See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data