Isolated nucleotide compositions and sequences are provided for jelly belly (jeb) genes. The jeb nucleic acid compositions find use in identifying homologous or related genes; in producing compositions that modulate the expression or function of its encoded protein, Jeb; for gene therapy; mapping functional regions of the protein; and in studying associated physiological pathways. Jeb is required for visceral mesoderm migration and differentiation. Its transcription is directly regulated by Tin. jeb is required for a signal to be transduced from somatic mesoderm to visceral mesoderm. The protein encoded by jeb is secreted from somatic muscle precursors and taken up by visceral muscle precursors. The expression of jeb in neurons later in embryogenesis is indicative that Jeb signaling plays additional roles in the development of the nervous system.
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