Figure 8

Model of fndc3a function during zebrafish median fin fold development and caudal fin regeneration. Expression and localization of fndc3a was detected during early phases of median fin fold development and in caudal fin regenerates. Reduced Fndc3a function resulted in prominent changes of ECM structure in epidermal cells. During development this results in impaired collagen assembly of actinotrichia fibers and loss of ventral median fin fold cells. During regeneration altered ECM structure results in actinotrichia breakdown and detached epidermal cells.