Foxj1 regulates asymmetric gene expression during left-right axis patterning in mice.
Mice with a targeted mutation of the foxj1 gene demonstrate either D- or L-looping of the embryonic cardiac tube. Foxj1 is expressed in ventral cells of the embryonic node prior to asymmetric, left-right expression of other genes. Despite an absence of 9+2 cilia in foxj1(-/-) mice, 9+0 cilia are present in the node of foxj1(-/-) embryos. In foxj1(-/-) embryos, the patterns of expression of the TGF-beta family member nodal and the homeobox family member pitx2 are randomized. No expression of the TGF-beta family member lefty-2 is observed in any foxj1(-/-) early somite stage embryos. Foxj1 thus acts early in left-right axis patterning and regulates asymmetric gene expression. This regulation does not appear to be the result of a direct interaction between Foxj1 and the genes examined.
Zhang
Min
M
Developmental Biology Research Unit, The Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Bolfing
Mary F
MF
Knowles
Heather J
HJ
Karnes
Hope
H
Hackett
Brian P
BP
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics*; D002923:Cilia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000196:embryology; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D055458:Left-Right Determination Factors; D051379:Mice / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D055457:Nodal Protein; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D000097577:Homeobox Protein PITX2
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051858:Forkhead Transcription Factors; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D055458:Left-Right Determination Factors; D055457:Nodal Protein; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D000097577:Homeobox Protein PITX2; C481963:FOXJ1 protein, mouse; C526008:Nodal protein, mouse