Open AccessCrucial roles of Foxa2 in mouse anterior–posterior axis polarization via regulation of anterior visceral endoderm-specific genes
Author(s) -
Chiharu Kimura-Yoshida,
E Tian,
Hiroshi Nakano,
Saori Amazaki,
Kayo Shimokawa,
Janet Rossant,
Shinichi Aizawa,
Isao Matsuo
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.0607779104
Subject(s) - foxa2 , endoderm , biology , transcription factor , wnt signaling pathway , microbiology and biotechnology , chordate , gene , primitive streak , regulatory sequence , genetics , gastrulation , vertebrate , embryogenesis , embryonic stem cell
Anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) plays essential roles with respect to anterior–posterior axis development in the early mouse embryo. To assess the genetic cascade involved in AVE formation, the cis-regulatory elements directing expression of vertebrateOtx2 genes in the AVE were analyzed via generation of transgenic mice.Otx2 expression in AVE is regulated directly by the forkhead transcription factor,Foxa2 . Moreover,Foxa2 is essential for expression of theWnt antagonists,Dkk1 andCerl , in visceral endoderm during the pre- to early streak stages; however,Foxa2 appears to be dispensable for subsequentDkk1 expression associated with forebrain induction. Thus, we propose thatFoxa2 is crucial in early anterior–posterior axis polarization in terms of regulation of expression of AVE-specific genes. These findings provide profound insights into conserved roles ofFoxa2 transcription factors in anterior specification throughout the evolution of the chordate body plan.