Comparative analysis reveals distinct and overlapping functions of Mef2c and Mef2d during cardiogenesis in Xenopus laevis.
The family of vertebrate Mef2 transcription factors is comprised of four members named Mef2a, Mef2b, Mef2c, and Mef2d. These transcription factors are regulators of the myogenic programs with crucial roles in development of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells. Mef2a and Mef2c are essential for cardiac development in mice. In Xenopus, mef2c and mef2d but not mef2a were recently shown to be expressed during cardiogenesis. We here investigated the function of Mef2c and Mef2d during Xenopus laevis cardiogenesis. Knocking down either gene by corresponding antisense morpholino oligonucleotides led to profound heart defects including morphological abnormalities, pericardial edema, and brachycardia. Marker gene expression analyses and rescue experiments revealed that (i) both genes are required for proper cardiac gene expression, (ii) Mef2d can compensate for the loss of Mef2c but not vice versa, and (iii) the γ domain of Mef2c is required for early cardiac development. Taken together, our data provide novel insights into the function of Mef2 during cardiogenesis, highlight evolutionary differences between species and might have an impact on attempts of direct reprogramming.
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany ; International Graduate School of Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Yanchun
Y
Guo
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Susanne J
SJ
Kühl
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Astrid S
AS
Pfister
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany ; International Graduate School of Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Wiebke
W
Cizelsky
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Stephanie
S
Denk
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Laura
L
Beer-Molz
Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Michael
M
Kühl
D000818:Animals; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000235:genetics; D064326:MEF2 Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D038081:Organogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D014982:Xenopus laevis
D064326:MEF2 Transcription Factors