PUBLICATION

A gene regulatory program controlling early Xenopus mesendoderm formation: network conservation and motifs

Authors
Charney, R.M., Paraiso, K.D., Blitz, I.L., Cho, K.W.
ID
ZDB-PUB-170328-11
Date
2017
Source
Seminars in cell & developmental biology   66: 12-24 (Review)
Registered Authors
Blitz, Ira
Keywords
Xenopus, endoderm, evolutionary conservation, gene regulatory network, network motifs, transcription factors
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Endoderm/embryology*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics*
  • Transcription Factors/metabolism*
  • Xenopus/genetics*
  • Xenopus Proteins/genetics*
PubMed
28341363 Full text @ Sem. Cell Dev. Biol.
Abstract
Germ layer formation is among the earliest differentiation events in metazoan embryos. In triploblasts, three germ layers are formed, among which the endoderm gives rise to the epithelial lining of the gut tube and associated organs including the liver, pancreas and lungs. In frogs (Xenopus), where early germ layer formation has been studied intensively, the process of endoderm specification involves the interplay of dozens of transcription factors. Here, we review the interactions between these factors, summarized in a transcriptional gene regulatory network (GRN). We highlight regulatory connections conserved between Xenopus, zebrafish, mouse, and human endodermal lineages. Especially prominent is the conserved role and regulatory targets of the Nodal signaling pathway and the T-box transcription factors, Vegt and Eomes. Additionally, we highlight some network topologies and motifs, and speculate on their possible roles in development.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping