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Pax6 regulation of Math5 during mouse retinal neurogenesis
Author(s) -
Riesenberg Amy N.,
Le Tien T.,
Willardsen Minde I.,
Blackburn David C.,
Vetter Monica L.,
Brown Nadean L.
Publication year - 2009
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.20479
Subject(s) - pax6 , neurogenesis , biology , enhancer , transcription factor , microbiology and biotechnology , retinal ganglion cell , retinal , retina , genetics , neuroscience , gene , biochemistry
Activation of the bHLH factor Math5 ( Atoh7 ) is an initiating event for mammalian retinal neurogenesis, as it is critically required for retinal ganglion cell formation. However, the cis‐regulatory elements and trans‐acting factors that control Math5 expression are largely unknown. Using a combination of transgenic mice and bioinformatics, we identified a phylogenetically conserved regulatory element that is required to activate Math5 transcription during early retinal neurogenesis. This element drives retinal expression in vivo, in a cross‐species transgenic assay. Previously, Pax6 was shown to be necessary for the initiation of Math5 mRNA expression. We extend this finding by showing that the Math5 retinal enhancer also requires Pax6 for its activation, via Pax6 binding to a highly conserved binding site. In addition, our data reveal that other retinal factors are required for accurate regulation of Math5 by Pax6 . genesis 47:175–187, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.