title: Over-expression of atf4 in Xenopus embryos interferes with neurogenesis and eye formation.
abstract: Accumulated evidence indicates that the activating transcription factor 4 (atf4) is a developmentally relevant gene. Here, we report on the characterization of atf4 in Xenopus embryos, which is differentially expressed in the central nervous system, eyes, blood, and the pronephros, as well as in developing endodermal organs such as the stomach, duodenum, liver, and pancreas. Ectopic expression of atf4 in the animal hemisphere of Xenopus embryos had no obvious effects on the induction of neural progenitors, but suppressed neurogenesis and eye formation without promoting apoptosis. Our data suggest that tightly controlled atf4 activities may be crucial for normal neurogenesis and early eye patterning.
authors: Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
authors: Jian-Tao
authors: JT
authors: Liu
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Yang
authors: Xiao-Gang
authors: XG
authors: Guo
authors: Miao
authors: M
authors: Chen
authors: Huan-Zhong
authors: HZ
authors: Ding
authors: Yong-Long
authors: YL
authors: Chen
authors: Min-Ru
authors: MR
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: D051701:Activating Transcription Factor 4 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D029845:Amphibian Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D005123:Eye / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D055495:Neurogenesis; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D029845:Amphibian Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; D051701:Activating Transcription Factor 4