Excess FoxG1 causes overgrowth of the neural tube.
The winged helix transcription factor FoxG1 (Bf-1, qin) plays multiple roles in the development of the telencephalon, with different parts of the protein affecting either proliferation or differentiation. We examined the consequences of over-expression, via retroviral expression, of FoxG1 on the growth of different regions of the chicken brain. Excess expression of FoxG1 caused a thickening of the neuroepithelium, and ultimately large outgrowths of the telencephalon and mesencephalon. In contrast, the myelencephalon appeared unaffected, exhibiting normal apoptosis and growth characteristics. A DNA binding defective form of FoxG1 did not exhibit these abnormalities, suggesting that these effects are due to FoxG1's function as a transcriptional repressor. To examine the means by which excess FoxG1 caused overgrowth of the brain, we examined alterations in cell proliferation and death. No increase in proliferation was noted in any portion of the neural tube, rather a significant decrease in neuroepithelial apoptosis was seen. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role for winged helix factors in the regulation of neural cell apoptosis.
Ahlgren
Sara
S
Division of Biology 139-74, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA. s_ahlgren@northwestern.edu
Vogt
Peter
P
Bronner-Fraser
Marianne
M
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology* / Q000821:virology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000235:genetics; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009436:Neural Tube Defects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology; D012190:Retroviridae
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins