Rotatin (RTTN)

RTTN is required for the early developmental processes of left-right (L-R) specification and axial rotation and may play a role in notochord development. The deduced 1595-amino acid mouse Rttn protein has a calculated molecular mass of 178.2 kD and contains 3 predicted transmembrane domains. Northern blot analysis detected a 6.5-kb transcript in mouse embryos.Rttn expression was detected in telencephalon and mesoderm, especially in somites, and in notochord. By E9.5, Rttn expression in somites persisted with additional expression in forelimb bud, basal forebrain, first branchial arch, but not in developing heart. Involved in the genetic cascade that governs left-right specification. Plays a role in the maintenance of a normal ciliary structure. Required for correct asymmetric expression of NODAL, LEFTY and PITX2.