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Transcripts encoding HAND genes are differentially expressed and regulated by BMP4 and GDNF in developing avian gut
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, 3000 Arlington Ave., OH 43614, USA.
Gene Expression
|November 27, 2002
Summary
Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors HAND2 and HAND1 are key in gut development. BMP4 and GDNF differentially regulate HAND2 and HAND1 expression in neural crest cells and gut tissues, impacting enteric neuron development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Neural crest-derived cells form enteric neurons, guided by developmental cues.
- Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors HAND2 and HAND1 are present in the gastrointestinal tract.
- The specific cell types and inducing factors for HAND1/HAND2 expression in the gut remain unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cell types expressing HAND1 and HAND2 in the developing gut.
- To investigate the roles of gut-derived factors, specifically BMP4 and GDNF, in regulating HAND1 and HAND2 expression.
- To elucidate the differential regulation of HAND1 and HAND2 by growth factors in neural crest development.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization combined with cell type-specific immunostaining.
- Coculture of neural crest-derived cells with gut explants.
- Treatment of cells with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) and Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF).
Main Results:
- HAND2 transcripts are found in enteric neurons throughout the gut, while HAND1 transcripts are restricted to the small intestine and colon.
- BMP4 significantly increased HAND2 expression in all gut segments and induced HAND1 expression in non-neural crest cells of the esophagus and gizzard.
- GDNF showed a modest increase in HAND2 expression in specific gut-derived neural crest cells but had no effect on HAND1 expression.
Conclusions:
- HAND2 plays a role in the development of enteric neurons.
- BMP4 and GDNF exhibit differential regulation of HAND2 and HAND1 gene expression.
- Understanding these regulatory mechanisms is crucial for gastrointestinal development and potential therapeutic interventions.
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01:10Transcription
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