title: Localization of transcription factor GATA-4 to regions of the mouse embryo involved in cardiac development.
abstract: To clarify the role of transcription factor GATA-4 in mammalian development, we have determined the pattern of expression of GATA-4 in early postimplantation mouse embryos. Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we find that GATA-4 RNA and protein are expressed in cells associated with heart development. Intraembryonic expression of GATA-4 RNA is first apparent in coelomic epithelial cells of the primitive streak embryo (approximately 7.0-7.5 days postcoitum). During formation and bending of the heart tube (approximately 8 days postcoitum), GATA-4 RNA and protein are expressed in endocardium, myocardium, and embryonic structures containing precardiac mesoderm such as the septum transversum and intraembryonic coelomic epithelium. By the onset of cardiac septation (approximately 9 days postcoitum), abundant GATA-4 RNA expression is evident in endocardium, endocardial cushion tissue, and myocardium. Expression of GATA-4 by the myocardium continues through gestation and after birth. The temporal and spacial patterns of GATA-4 expression support a role for this factor in the regulation of cardiac differentiation, analogous to the established role of transcription factor GATA-1 in the regulation of hematopoiesis.
authors.affiliation: Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heikinheimo
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Scandrett
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D050991:GATA4 Transcription Factor; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D050991:GATA4 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors