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The LIM‐domain protein Zyxin binds the homeodomain factor Xanf1/Hesx1 and modulates its activity in the anterior neural plate of Xenopus laevis embryo
Author(s) -
Martynova Natalia Y.,
Eroshkin Fedor M.,
Ermolina Ludmila V.,
Ermakova Galina V.,
Korotaeva Anastasia L.,
Smurova Ksenya M.,
Gyoeva Fatima K.,
Zaraisky Andrey G.
Publication year - 2008
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.21471
Subject(s) - biology , xenopus , engrailed , repressor , microbiology and biotechnology , lim domain , homeobox , transcription factor , neural tube , embryo , genetics , gene , zinc finger
The question of how subdivision of embryo into cell territories acquiring different fates is coordinated with morphogenetic movements shaping the embryonic body still remains poorly resolved. In the present report, we demonstrate that a key regulator of anterior neural plate patterning, the homeodomain transcriptional repressor Xanf1/Hesx1, can bind to the LIM‐domain protein Zyxin, which is known to regulate cell morphogenetic movements via influence on actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Using a set of deletion mutants, we found that the Engrailed‐type repressor domain of Xanf1 and LIM2‐domain of Zyxin are primarily responsible for interaction of these proteins. We also demonstrate that Zyxin overexpression in Xenopus embryos elicits effects similar to those observed in embryos with downregulated Xanf1. In contrast, when the repressor‐fused variant of Zyxin is expressed, the forebrain enlargements typical for embryos overexpressing Xanf1 develop. These results are consistent with a possible role of Zyxin as a negative modulator of Xanf1 transcriptional repressing activity. Developmental Dynamics 237:736–749, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.