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Related Concept Videos

Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
General Transcription Factors01:30

General Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
Determination01:51

Determination

During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
Transcription Factors02:16

Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
Transcription Factors02:16

Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins02:36

RNA Polymerase II Accessory Proteins

Proteins that regulate transcription can do so either via direct contact with RNA Polymerase or through indirect interactions facilitated by adaptors, mediators, histone-modifying proteins, and nucleosome remodelers. Direct interactions to activate transcription is seen in bacteria as well as in some eukaryotic genes. In these cases, upstream activation sequences are adjacent to the promoters, and the activator proteins interact directly with the transcriptional machinery. For example, in...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Isolation of Whole Cell Protein Lysates from Mouse Facial Processes and Cultured Palatal Mesenchyme Cells for Phosphoprotein Analysis
07:26

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Published on: April 1, 2022

The transcription factor MEF2C is required for craniofacial development.

Michael P Verzi1, Pooja Agarwal, Courtney Brown

  • 1Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Mail Code 2240, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Developmental Cell
|April 11, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) plays a critical role in craniofacial development. MEF2C interacts with Dlx5 and Dlx6 to regulate gene expression, preventing severe birth defects.

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Published on: March 24, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors are known regulators of muscle development.
  • The role of MEF2C in neural crest development was previously uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MEF2C in neural crest development and its impact on craniofacial formation.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which MEF2C regulates gene expression in the branchial arches.

Main Methods:

  • Tissue-specific inactivation of MEF2C in mice.
  • Analysis of gene expression in branchial arches.
  • Genetic interaction studies involving MEF2C, Dlx5, and Dlx6.

Main Results:

  • MEF2C is essential for craniofacial development, with its inactivation leading to neonatal lethality and severe defects.
  • MEF2C regulates the expression of Dlx5, Dlx6, and Hand2 transcription factors in the branchial arches.
  • A synergistic interaction between MEF2C and Dlx5 was identified at a branchial arch-specific enhancer in the Dlx5/6 locus.
  • Genetic interactions between Mef2c and Dlx5/6 cause defective palate development and neonatal lethality.

Conclusions:

  • MEF2C has an unanticipated role in neural crest development and craniofacial formation.
  • A feed-forward transcriptional circuit involving MEF2C, Dlx5, and Dlx6 is crucial for craniofacial development.