title: MEF2: a central regulator of diverse developmental programs.
abstract: The myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factor acts as a lynchpin in the transcriptional circuits that control cell differentiation and organogenesis. The spectrum of genes activated by MEF2 in different cell types depends on extracellular signaling and on co-factor interactions that modulate MEF2 activity. Recent studies have revealed MEF2 to form an intimate partnership with class IIa histone deacetylases, which together function as a point of convergence of multiple epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. We review the myriad roles of MEF2 in development and the mechanisms through which it couples developmental, physiological and pathological signals with programs of cell-specific transcription.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Potthoff
authors.forename: Eric N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Olson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D026161:MADS Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D038081:Organogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D015003:Yeasts / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D026161:MADS Domain Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; D006655:Histone Deacetylases