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Atypical Transcriptional Activation by TCF via a Zic Transcription Factor in C. elegans Neuronal Precursors

Sabrina Murgan1, Willi Kari1, Ute Rothbächer1

  • 1Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France.

Developmental Cell
|June 16, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Transcription factors (TCF) usually activate genes with Wnt signaling. This study reveals TCF can also activate specific genes like ttx-3 without Wnt, by partnering with Zic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Transcription factors of the TCF family are central to Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
  • TCF typically activates transcription when the Wnt pathway is active and represses it when inactive.
  • Atypical TCF regulation, where TCF activates genes without Wnt, is poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanism behind atypical TCF-mediated gene activation in the absence of Wnt signaling.
  • To elucidate how the ttx-3 gene is regulated by TCF independently of Wnt pathway activation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the ttx-3 cis-regulatory region.
  • Combination of genetic, molecular, and biochemical experiments.
  • Investigation of transcription factor interactions and binding sites.

Main Results:

  • TCF activates ttx-3 expression in the absence of Wnt signaling.
  • This activation occurs via a Zic binding site through a complex with a Zic transcription factor.
  • The mechanism is further supported by specific bHLH factors.

Conclusions:

  • TCF exhibits an atypical mode of gene activation independent of Wnt signaling.
  • This novel mechanism involves cooperation with Zic and bHLH transcription factors.
  • This finding may extend to other biological decisions regulated by Wnt signaling.

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