Embryonic gene expression patterns of TGF beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 suggest different developmental functions in vivo.
We have compared the expression of the genes encoding transforming growth factors beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 during mouse embryogenesis from 9.5 to 16.5 days p.c. using in situ hybridisation to cellular RNAs. Each gene has a different expression pattern, which gives some indication of possible biological function in vivo. All three genes appear to be involved in chondroossification, though each is expressed in a different cell type. Transcripts of each gene are also present in embryonic epithelia. Epithelial expression of TGF beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3 RNA is associated with regions of active morphogenesis involving epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. In addition, widespread epithelial expression of TGF beta 2 RNA can be correlated with epithelial differentiation per se. The localisation of TGF beta 2 RNA in neuronal tissue might also be correlated with differentiation. Finally both TGF beta 1 and beta 2 transcripts are seen in regions actively undergoing cardiac septation and valve formation, suggesting some interaction of these growth factors in this developmental process.
Millan
F A
FA
Duncan Guthrie Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Glasgow, UK.
Denhez
F
F
Kondaiah
P
P
Akhurst
R J
RJ
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D015335:Molecular Probes / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D012313:RNA / Q000032:analysis*; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D015335:Molecular Probes; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D012313:RNA