Comparison of maf gene expression patterns during chick embryo development.
Maf proteins are basic-leucine zipper transcription factors belonging to the AP1 superfamily. Several developmental processes require Maf proteins yet, the redundancy or complementarity of their respective roles in common processes has been only partially investigated. We present for the first time a complete comparative analysis of maf gene expression patterns in vertebrates. Expression of c-maf, mafB/kreisler, mafA/L-maf, mafF, mafG and mafK was analyzed by whole-mount in situ hybridization within chick embryos and their extraembryonic tissues ranging from embryonic day (E) 1 to 7. We carefully examined the extent of overlap between distinct maf genes and report that the developing lens, kidney, pancreas and apoptotic zones of limb buds show sustained co-expression of large maf genes. Small maf genes also exhibit overlap, for example in the dermomyotome. We also describe so far unidentified sites of maf gene expression. mafA is found in the developing neural tube and dorsal root ganglia. c-maf hybridization is detected in the neuroretina, the notochord and the endothelium of extraembryonic blood vessels.
Lecoin
Laure
L
UMR 146 CNRS-Institut Curie, Bâtiment 110, Centre Universitaire, 91405 Orsay cedex, France.
Sii-Felice
Karine
K
Pouponnot
Celio
C
Eychène
Alain
A
Felder-Schmittbuhl
Marie Paule
MP
D000818:Animals; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D005775:Gastrula / Q000378:metabolism; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D018878:Limb Buds / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D051260:MafF Transcription Factor; D050985:MafK Transcription Factor; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D051257:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012160:Retina / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C484147:MAFF protein, human; D051260:MafF Transcription Factor; D050985:MafK Transcription Factor; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D051257:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf; D012097:Repressor Proteins