A transcription factor network controls cell migration and fate decisions in the developing zebrafish pineal complex.
The zebrafish pineal complex consists of four cell types (rod and cone photoreceptors, projection neurons and parapineal neurons) that are derived from a single pineal complex anlage. After specification, parapineal neurons migrate unilaterally away from the rest of the pineal complex whereas rods, cones and projection neurons are non-migratory. The transcription factor Tbx2b is important for both the correct number and migration of parapineal neurons. We find that two additional transcription factors, Flh and Nr2e3, negatively regulate parapineal formation. Flh induces non-migratory neuron fates and limits the extent of parapineal specification, in part by activation of Nr2e3 expression. Tbx2b is positively regulated by Flh, but opposes Flh action during specification of parapineal neurons. Loss of parapineal neuron specification in Tbx2b-deficient embryos can be partially rescued by loss of Nr2e3 or Flh function; however, parapineal migration absolutely requires Tbx2b activity. We conclude that cell specification and migration in the pineal complex are regulated by a network of at least three transcription factors.
Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
Sataree
0000-0003-4888-4768
S
Khuansuwan
Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
Joshua A
JA
Clanton
Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
Benjamin J
BJ
Dean
Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA James.G.Patton@Vanderbilt.edu Josh.Gamse@gmail.com.
James G
0000-0001-5749-0870
JG
Patton
Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA James.G.Patton@Vanderbilt.edu Josh.Gamse@gmail.com.
Joshua T
JT
Gamse
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning; D002452:Cell Count; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000235:genetics*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000235:genetics*; D018628:Gene Dosage; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks; D019262:Habenula / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D007814:Larva / Q000378:metabolism; D009030:Mosaicism; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000196:embryology* / Q000294:innervation / Q000378:metabolism; D017948:Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015027:Zebrafish / Q000196:embryology* / Q000235:genetics; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D014157:Transcription Factors; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins
Flh; Nr2e3; Parapineal organ; Pineal complex; Tbx2b; Zebrafish