Expression of Exogenous mRNA in Xenopus laevis Embryos for the Study of Cell Cycle Regulation

The microinjection of mRNA that is transcribed and capped in vitro into fertilized eggs and embryos of Xenopus laevis provides a powerful means for discovering the function of proteins during early development. Proteins may be overexpressed for a gain-of-function effect or exogenous protein function may be compromised by the microinjection of mRNA encoding "dominant-negative" proteins. This methodology is particularly suited for the investigation of the regulation of the cell cycle, checkpoints, and apoptosis in early development.