Abstract
Bves was discovered through subtractive screens designed to identify heart-enriched transcripts. Bves is a transmembrane protein that possesses a highly conserved structure among species of the animal kingdom. Various approaches have been used to elucidate the expression pattern of Bves mRNA and protein as well as its function in developing and mature organisms. Emerging evidence indicates that this protein is present in muscle and epithelia of developing embryos and the adult. In vitro functional studies predict a role in cell-cell interaction and/or adhesion. In vivo analysis of protein function is very limited at present, but recent work in Xenopus supports the importance of Bves in epithelial integrity. Presented in this review is a compilation of published findings concerning Bves gene and protein characteristics, expression patterns in embryos and cells, and functional significance as determined thus far. Presently, the literature supports a hypothesis that Bves is essential to the junctional architecture of muscle and epithelial cell types. Although there remain aspects of Bves structure, expression, and function that are not completely resolved, now is an appropriate time to summarize current knowledge about this protein, the remaining questions, and what its potential role in development might be. This review will serve as a departure point for others who become interested in the study of this highly conserved protein.