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The role of the forkhead transcription factor, Foxc1, in the development of the mouse lacrimal gland
Author(s) -
Mattiske Deidre,
Sommer Paula,
Kidson Susan H.,
Hogan Brigid L.M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.20702
Subject(s) - biology , forkhead transcription factors , transcription factor , lacrimal gland , foxa2 , microbiology and biotechnology , exocrine gland , medicine , endocrinology , genetics , gene , pathology , secretion
The lacrimal gland produces secretions that lubricate and protect the cornea of the eye. Foxc1 encodes a forkhead/winged helix transcription factor required for the development of many embryonic organs. Autosomal dominant mutations in human FOXC1 cause eye disorders such as Axenfeld‐Rieger Syndrome and glaucoma iris hypoplasia, resulting from malformation of the anterior segment of the eye. We show here that lacrimal gland development is severely impaired in homozygous null Foxc1 mouse mutants, with reduced outgrowth and branching. Foxc1 is expressed in both the epithelium of the lacrimal gland and the surrounding mesenchyme. FGF10 stimulates the growth and branching morphogenesis in cultures of wild type and Foxc1 mutant gland epithelial buds. However, using micromass culture of lacrimal gland mesenchyme, we show that Bmp7 induces wild type mesenchyme cells to aggregate, but Foxc1 mutant cells do not respond. This study demonstrates that Foxc1 mediates the BMP signaling required for lacrimal gland development. Developmental Dynamics 235:1074–1080, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.