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SOX17 links gut endoderm morphogenesis and germ layer segregation
Manuel Viotti1, Sonja Nowotschin2, Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis2
11] Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York 10065, USA [2] Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York 10065, USA.
Nature Cell Biology
|November 25, 2014
Summary
The transcription factor SOX17 is crucial for gut endoderm development during mouse gastrulation. It guides definitive endoderm cell movement and basement membrane formation, ensuring proper germ layer separation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gastrulation establishes three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.
- Gut endoderm formation involves cell intercalation from definitive endoderm (DE) and visceral endoderm (VE).
- Basement membranes separate germ layers, crucial for tissue organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize the movement of definitive endoderm (DE) cells prior to their intercalation into the visceral endoderm (VE).
- To investigate the role of the transcription factor SOX17 in gut endoderm morphogenesis and germ layer segregation.
Main Methods:
- Live imaging of prospective DE cells in mouse embryos.
- Analysis of SOX17 activation and function.
- Assessment of basement membrane assembly and germ layer separation.
Main Results:
- Prospective DE cells were imaged as they moved towards the VE epithelium.
- SOX17 activation precedes DE cell intercalation.
- SOX17 is essential for proper gut endoderm morphogenesis.
- SOX17 is required for the assembly of the basement membrane separating endoderm and mesoderm.
Conclusions:
- SOX17 plays a critical role in coordinating gut endoderm development and germ layer separation.
- This study mechanistically links endoderm morphogenesis with the segregation of germ layers during gastrulation.
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