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Pou‐V factor Oct25 regulates early morphogenesis in Xenopus laevis
Author(s) -
Julier Alexandra,
Goll Claudio,
Korte Brigitte,
Knöchel Walter,
Wacker Stephan A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2012.01371.x
Subject(s) - xenopus , pou domain , morphogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , genetics , transcription factor , gene , homeobox
POU ‐V class proteins like Oct4 are crucial for keeping cells in an undifferentiated state. An Oct4 homologue in Xenopus laevis , Oct25 , peaks in expression during early gastrulation, when many cells are still uncommitted. Nevertheless, extensive morphogenesis is taking place in all germ layers at that time. Phenotypical analysis of embryos with Oct25 overexpression revealed morphogenesis defects, beginning during early gastrulation and resulting in spina‐bifida‐like axial defects. Analysis of marker genes and different morphogenesis assays show inhibitory effects on convergence and extension and on mesoderm internalization. On a cellular level, cell–cell adhesion is reduced. On a molecular level, Oct25 overexpression activates expression of PAPC , a functional inhibitor of the cell adhesion molecule EP /C‐cadherin. Intriguingly, Oct25 effects on cell–cell adhesion can be restored by overexpression of EP /C‐cadherin or by inhibition of the PAPC function. Thus, Oct25 affects morphogenesis via activation of PAPC expression and subsequent functional inhibition of EP /C‐cadherin.