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Mouse Mesenchyme forkhead 2 (Mf2): expression, DNA binding and induction by sonic hedgehog during somitogenesis
S C Wu1, J Grindley, G E Winnier
1Department of Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Mechanisms of Development
|March 24, 1998
Summary
Mouse Mf2 (mesoderm/mesenchyme forkhead 2) is a gene crucial for embryonic development. It is expressed in various mesodermal tissues and regulated by sonic hedgehog (Shh), suggesting a role in embryonic signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Genomics
Background:
- Forkhead genes play vital roles in embryonic development.
- Understanding gene expression patterns is key to deciphering developmental processes.
- Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a critical signaling molecule in embryogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and sequence mouse Mf2 (mesoderm/mesenchyme forkhead 2) cDNAs.
- To investigate the expression patterns of Mf2 during mouse embryogenesis.
- To explore the relationship between Mf2 and sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of mouse Mf2 cDNAs.
- In vitro translation and DNA binding assays.
- Analysis of Mf2 expression in various embryonic tissues using molecular techniques.
- Explant cultures to study Mf2 induction by Shh.
Main Results:
- A mouse Mf2 cDNA was cloned, encoding a 492-amino acid protein that binds DNA.
- Mf2 exhibits widespread expression in mesodermal tissues, including somites, mesenchyme, and branchial arches.
- Mf2 is also transcribed in specific regions of the mid- and forebrain.
- Mf2 expression is spatially correlated with Shh expression and induced by Shh in explant cultures.
Conclusions:
- Mouse Mf2 is a novel forkhead gene with diverse roles in embryogenesis.
- Mf2 expression is regulated by Shh signaling, indicating its involvement in Shh-mediated developmental pathways.
- Mf2 likely mediates cellular responses to signaling molecules like Shh during embryonic development.