Regeneration in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) fins: pattern of expression of mineralization–related Gla proteins

Abstract

Teleost fishes have the exceptional ability to largely regenerate severed appendages comprising several different tissues. Fin regeneration starts through the formation of heterogeneous mesenchyma-like cells, named blastema, and located between stump tissues and the wounded epidermis. This event, denominated epimorphic regeneration, comprises strict growth control and cell reprogramming leading to faithful restoration of the lost parts. Matrix Gla Protein (Mgp) and Bone Gla Protein (Bgp, osteocalcin) are small extracellular matrix Gla proteins, members of the vitamin K-dependent (VKD) family.