Expression of the diabetes-associated gene TCF7L2 in adult mouse brain.
Polymorphisms of the gene TCF7L2 (transcription factor 7-like 2) are strongly associated with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. TCF7L2 is important in the development of peripheral organs such as adipocytes, pancreas, and the intestine. However, very little is known about its expression elsewhere. In this study we used in situ hybridization histochemistry to show that TCF7L2 has a unique expression pattern in the mouse brain. TCF7L2 is expressed in two distinct populations. First, it is highly expressed in thalamic and tectal structures. Additionally, TCF7L2 mRNA is expressed at moderate to low levels in specific cells of the hypothalamus, preoptic nucleus, and circumventricular organs. Collectively, these patterns of expression suggest that TCF7L2 has distinct functions within the brain, with a general role in the development and maintenance of thalamic and midbrain neurons, and then a distinct role in autonomic homeostasis.
Lee
Syann
S
Department of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9077, USA.
Lee
Charlotte E
CE
Elias
Carol F
CF
Elmquist
Joel K
JK
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism; D000068797:Orexins; D010784:Photomicrography; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D051820:TCF Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D058118:Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase / Q000378:metabolism; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000378:metabolism
D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008543:Melanins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D000068797:Orexins; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1; D051820:TCF Transcription Factors; C544894:TCF7L2 protein, human; C434984:TIRAP protein, human; C544895:Tcf7l2 protein, mouse; D058118:Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein; D001615:beta-Endorphin; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone; D014446:Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase; D002795:Choline O-Acetyltransferase