Targeted Disruption of the Wnt Regulator Kremen Induces Limb Defects and High Bone Density▿ †

Kremen1 and Kremen2 (Krm1 and Krm2) are transmembrane coreceptors for Dickkopf1 (Dkk1), an antagonist of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The physiological relevance of Kremen proteins in mammals as Wnt modulators is unresolved. We generated and characterized Krm mutant mice and found that double mutants show enhanced Wnt signaling accompanied by ectopic postaxial forelimb digits and expanded apical ectodermal ridges. Triple mutant Krm1−/− Krm2−/− Dkk1+/− mice show enhanced growth of ectopic digits, indicating that Dkk1 and Krm genes genetically interact during limb development. Wnt/β-catenin signaling also plays a critical role in bone formation. Single Krm mutants show normal bone formation and bone mass, while double mutants show increased bone volume and bone formation parameters. Our study provides the first genetic evidence for a functional interaction of Kremen proteins with Dkk1 as negative regulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and reveals that Kremen proteins are not universally required for Dkk1 function

Good practice for conducting and reporting MEG research

Contains fulltext : 122417.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings are a rich source of information about the neural dynamics underlying cognitive processes in the brain, with excellent temporal and good spatial resolution. In recent years there have been considerable advances in MEG hardware developments and methods. Sophisticated analysis techniques are now routinely applied and continuously improved, leading to fascinating insights into the intricate dynamics of neural processes. However, the rapidly increasing level of complexity of the different steps in a MEG study make it difficult for novices, and sometimes even for experts, to stay aware of possible limitations and caveats. Furthermore, the complexity of MEG data acquisition and data analysis requires special attention when describing MEG studies in publications, in order to facilitate interpretation and reproduction of the results. This manuscript aims at making recommendations for a number of important data acquisition and data analysis steps and suggests details that should be specified in manuscripts reporting MEG studies. These recommendations will hopefully serve as guidelines that help to strengthen the position of the MEG research community within the field of neuroscience, and may foster discussion in order to further enhance the quality and impact of MEG research.15 p