Premium
Eomesodermin induces Mesp1 expression and cardiac differentiation from embryonic stem cells in the absence of Activin
Author(s) -
van den Ameele Jelle,
Tiberi Luca,
Bondue Antoine,
Paulissen Catherine,
Herpoel Adèle,
Iacovino Michelina,
Kyba Michael,
Blanpain Cédric,
Vanderhaeghen Pierre
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/embor.2012.23
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , embryonic stem cell , mesoderm , biology , cell fate determination , nodal , transcription factor , stem cell , cellular differentiation , regulator , activin type 2 receptors , anatomy , transforming growth factor , genetics , tgf beta signaling pathway , gene
The transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) is involved in early embryonic patterning, but the range of cell fates that it controls as well as its mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here we show that transient expression of Eomes promotes cardiovascular fate during embryonic stem cell differentiation. Eomes also rapidly induces the expression of Mesp1, a key regulator of cardiovascular differentiation, and directly binds to regulatory sequences of Mesp1. Eomes effects are strikingly modulated by Activin signalling: high levels of Activin inhibit the promotion of cardiac mesoderm by Eomes, while they enhance Eomes‐dependent endodermal specification. These results place Eomes upstream of the Mesp1‐dependent programme of cardiogenesis, and at the intersection of mesodermal and endodermal specification, depending on the levels of Activin/Nodal signalling.