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Developmental phenotypes and reduced Wnt signaling in mice deficient for pygopus 2
Author(s) -
Li Boan,
Rhéaume Catherine,
Teng Andy,
Bilanchone Virginia,
Munguia Jesus E.,
Hu Ming,
Jessen Shan,
Piccolo Stefano,
Waterman Marian L.,
Dai Xing
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/dvg.20299
Subject(s) - wnt signaling pathway , biology , phenotype , microbiology and biotechnology , lrp6 , axin2 , embryonic stem cell , lrp5 , transcription factor , morphogenesis , signal transduction , beta catenin , embryogenesis , gene , genetics , embryo
Canonical Wnt signaling involves complex intracellular events culminating in the stabilization of β‐catenin, which enters the nucleus and binds to LEF/TCF transcription factors to stimulate gene expression. Pygopus was identified as a genetic modifier of Wg (Wnt homolog) signaling in Drosophila , and encodes a PHD domain protein that associates with the β‐catenin/LEF/TCF complex. Two murine pygopus paralogs, mpygo 1 and mpygo 2 , have been identified, but their roles in development and Wnt signaling remain elusive. In this study, we report that ablation of mpygo 2 expression in mice causes defects in morphogenesis of both ectodermally and endodermally derived tissues, including brain, eyes, hair follicles, and lung. However, no gross abnormality was observed in embryonic intestine. Using a BAT‐gal reporter, we found Wnt signaling at most body sites to be reduced in the absence of mpygo 2 . Taken together, our studies show for the first time that mpygo 2 deletion affects embryonic development of some but not all Wnt‐requiring tissues. genesis 45:318–325, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.