Neural tube defects by <i>NUAK1</i> and <i>NUAK2</i> double mutation

Abstract

NUAK1 and NUAK2 complementarily function in the apical constriction and apico-basal elongation that associate with the dorsolateral hinge point formation in cephalic neural plate during the 5- to 10-somite stages. In the double mutant neural plate, phosphorylated myosin light chain 2, F-actin, and cortactin did not concentrate efficiently in apical surfaces, and acetylated α-tubulin-positive microtubules did not develop significantly.