Mutations in pank2 gene encoding pantothenate kinase 2 determine a pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, a rare disorder characterized by iron deposition in the globus pallidus. To extend our previous work, we performed microinjections of a new pank2-specific morpholino to zebrafish embryos and thoroughly analyzed vasculature development. Vessels development was severely perturbed in the head, trunk, and tail, where blood accumulation was remarkable and associated with dilation of the posterior cardinal vein. This phenotype was specific as confirmed by p53 expression analysis and injection of the same morpholino in pank2-mutant embryos. We can conclude that pank2 gene is involved in vasculature development in zebrafish embryos. The comprehension of the underlining mechanisms could be of relevance for understanding of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.

中文翻译：

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斑马鱼胚胎血管发育异常，泛酸激酶2基因表达降低

编码泛酸激酶 2 的 pank2 基因的突变决定了泛酸激酶相关的神经变性，这是一种以苍白球铁沉积为特征的罕见疾病。为了扩展我们之前的工作，我们对斑马鱼胚胎进行了一种新的 pank2 特异性吗啉的显微注射，并彻底分析了脉管系统的发育。头部、躯干和尾部血管发育严重紊乱，血积显着，与后主静脉扩张有关。这种表型是特异性的，通过 p53 表达分析和在 pank2 突变体胚胎中注射相同的吗啉来证实。我们可以得出结论， pank2 基因参与斑马鱼胚胎的脉管系统发育。