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FGF signalling modulates transcriptional repression by Xenopus groucho-related-4

Patrick J Burks1, Harry V Isaacs, Mary E Pownall

  • 1Biology Department, University of York, York YO10 5YW, U.K.

Biology of the Cell
|November 6, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling weakens the inhibitory function of TLE4/Xgrg4, a protein that normally represses Wnt targets. This interaction enhances Wnt target gene expression during embryonic development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Molecular signaling pathways

Background:

  • Cell signaling pathways like FGF and Wnt are crucial for embryonic development, including cell specification and tissue patterning.
  • Previous studies have shown interactions between FGF and Wnt pathways in processes like mesoderm formation, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which FGF and Wnt signaling pathways interact during embryogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the effect of FGF on the inhibitory activity of TLE4/Xgrg4 on a Wnt signaling target.
  • Assessed the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in this interaction.

Main Results:

  • FGF signaling reduces the ability of TLE4/Xgrg4 to inhibit a Wnt signaling target.
  • This reduction is partly dependent on a MAPK phosphorylation site within TLE4/Xgrg4.

Conclusions:

  • A novel mechanism of FGF and Wnt pathway interaction involves the co-repressor TLE4/Xgrg4.
  • FGF signaling weakens TLE4/Xgrg4 repression, which, alongside Wnt-mediated beta-catenin stabilization, amplifies Wnt target gene expression.

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