Elucidating the Function of an Evolutionarily Conserved Embryonic Splice Variant of Type II Collagen During Vertebrate Development

Our lab is focused on the highly conserved second exon of Col2a1a utilized during embryogenesis. Within this second exon is the von Willebrand Factor Type C (VWF-C) domain, which regulates the production of Bone Morphogenic Proteins (BMPs). BMPs are essential growth factors that signal the development of cartilage, heart, bone, and neural tissue formation. Using CRISPR-Cas9 we will splice out exon 2 (subsequently knocking out the VWF-C domain) to observe the change in BMP production and its effect on the growth and development of zebrafish embryos. Given the role the VWF-C domain plays in BMP production, we expect that the removal of exon 2 of Col2a1a will severely impact the zebrafish embryonic development, characterized by developmental delays, abnormal morphology, and possible embryonic lethality.