Abstract
Mesp2 is a transcription factor that plays fundamental roles in somitogenesis, and its expression is strictly restricted to the anterior presomitic mesoderm just before segment border formation. The transcriptional on-off cycle is linked to the segmentation clock. In our current study, we show that a T-box transcription factor, Tbx6, is essential for Mesp2 expression. Tbx6 directly binds to the Mesp2 gene upstream region and mediates Notch signaling, and subsequent Mesp2 transcription, in the anterior presomitic mesoderm. Our data therefore reveal that a mechanism, via Tbx6-dependent Notch signaling, acts on the transcriptional regulation of Mesp2. This finding uncovers an additional component of the interacting network of various signaling pathways that are involved in somitogenesis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Binding Sites / genetics
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DNA / genetics
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Enhancer Elements, Genetic
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Female
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Genes, Reporter
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In Vitro Techniques
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Lac Operon
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Models, Biological
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Pregnancy
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Receptors, Notch / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Somites / metabolism*
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T-Box Domain Proteins
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Two-Hybrid System Techniques
Substances
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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Mesp2 protein, mouse
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Receptors, Notch
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T-Box Domain Proteins
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Tbx6 protein, mouse
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Transcription Factors
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DNA