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A cell autonomous function of Brachyury in T/T embryonic stem cell chimaeras
P Rashbass1, L A Cooke, B G Herrmann
1AFRC Centre for Genome Research, Edinburgh, UK.
Nature
|September 26, 1991
Summary
The Brachyury (T) gene is crucial for mouse embryonic development, particularly mesoderm formation. Studies show T acts cell autonomously in key structures, but also influences other mesodermal tissues via signaling.
Area of Science:
- Developmental genetics
- Molecular biology
- Embryology
Background:
- The Brachyury (T) gene is essential for mesoderm formation during mouse gastrulation.
- Mutations in the T gene lead to severe developmental defects, including abnormal notochord and primitive streak formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cell autonomous function of the Brachyury (T) gene during embryonic development.
- To elucidate the role of the T gene in mesodermal tissue specification.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and genetic characterization of embryonic stem cell lines carrying T gene mutations.
- Chimeric analysis using T/T and T/+ embryonic stem cells to assess their contribution to embryonic development.
Main Results:
- T/+ embryonic stem cells contributed to normal chimeric development.
- T/T embryonic stem cells in equilibrium with wild-type cells recapitulated the T/T mutant phenotype, indicating cell autonomous function.
- Evidence suggests the T gene may also regulate other mesodermal tissues through signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- The Brachyury (T) gene functions cell autonomously in the primitive streak and notochord.
- The T gene plays a dual role, acting cell autonomously and potentially influencing broader mesodermal development via signaling pathways.
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