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Transcriptional control of Shh/Ptc1 signaling in embryonic development

Shi-Lung Lin1, Shin-Ju E Chang, Shao-Yao Ying

  • 1Department of Cell and Neurobiology, BMT-403, 1333 San Pablo Street, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. lins@usc.edu

Gene
|December 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Researchers identified a novel transcriptional responsive element (TRE) crucial for Shh/Ptc1 signaling in embryonic feather development. This discovery aids in understanding gene expression patterns during development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • In vivo gene expression profiling is challenging due to tissue heterogeneity.
  • Signal molecules activate transcription factors (TFs) to direct gene expression, but complex pathways obscure patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To decipher synergistic regulation of signal-directed gene expression at the tissue level.
  • To identify a novel transcriptional responsive element (TRE) in the Shh/Ptc1 signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Homology profiling of 5'-upstream promoter regions (5'-UPR) of Shh/Ptc1-responsive genes (Gli1, TGF-beta2, Msx2).
  • Computer alignment of conserved sequences to identify TRE.
  • Experimental activation of the identified TRE in chicken cells to assess gene expression.

Main Results:

  • Identified a conserved 37-nucleotide TRE in the 5'-UPR of Gli1, TGF-beta2, and Msx2.
  • The TRE contains regulatory elements homologous to known Gli-binding sites.
  • Activation of the TRE by Smo signaling induced synergistic expression of Shh/Ptc1-downstream genes.

Conclusions:

  • A novel Shh/Ptc1-responsive TRE was discovered in chicken embryos.
  • This TRE plays a key role in regulating gene expression during embryonic feather development.
  • An in vivo signaling model for Shh/Ptc1-directed feather morphogenesis was established.

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