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Characterization and developmental expression of Xenopus C/EBP gene
1Laboratory of Developmental Biochemistry, National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK.
Mechanisms of Development
|July 1, 1992
Summary
The Xenopus CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) gene is highly expressed in liver during metamorphosis. This transcription factor plays a role in developing the adult Xenopus phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Xenopus Research
Background:
- CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) is a crucial transcription factor involved in cell differentiation and metabolism.
- Understanding C/EBP function in amphibians like Xenopus provides insights into vertebrate development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and characterize the Xenopus homolog of C/EBP (xC/EBP).
- To investigate the expression pattern of xC/EBP during Xenopus development, particularly metamorphosis.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of xC/EBP from a Xenopus liver cDNA library.
- Gel electrophoretic mobility shift assays to determine DNA binding activity.
- Northern blotting and RNase protection assays to analyze mRNA expression.
- In situ hybridization to localize mRNA distribution in tissues.
Main Results:
- The cloned xC/EBP shares high amino acid homology with rat C/EBP, including the DNA-binding domain.
- xC/EBP protein binds specifically to C/EBP consensus sequences.
- xC/EBP mRNA is abundant in adult liver and its expression significantly increases during Xenopus metamorphosis, peaking in froglets.
- mRNA is detected in various tissues including spleen, kidney, and brain, with specific spatial patterns in the developing kidney and digestive tract.
Conclusions:
- xC/EBP functions as a transcription factor in Xenopus.
- Its dynamic expression during metamorphosis suggests a role in establishing the adult phenotype.
- xC/EBP is a key regulator during Xenopus post-embryonic development.