The Foxh1-dependent autoregulatory enhancer controls the level of Nodal signals in the mouse embryo

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (14) ◽  
pp. 3455-3468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic P. Norris ◽  
Jane Brennan ◽  
Elizabeth K. Bikoff ◽  
Elizabeth J. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Intronic Enhancer ◽  
Vertebrate Embryo ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Pitx2 Expression

The TGFβ-related growth factor Nodal governs anteroposterior (AP) and left-right (LR) axis formation in the vertebrate embryo. A conserved intronic enhancer (ASE), containing binding sites for the fork head transcription factor Foxh1, modulates dynamic patterns of Nodal expression during early mouse development. This enhancer is responsible for early activation of Nodal expression in the epiblast and visceral endoderm, and at later stages governs asymmetric expression during LR axis formation. We demonstrate ASE activity is strictly Foxh1 dependent. Loss of this autoregulatory enhancer eliminates transcription in the visceral endoderm and decreases Nodal expression in the epiblast, but causes surprisingly discrete developmental abnormalities. Thus lowering the level of Nodal signaling in the epiblast disrupts both orientation of the AP axis and specification of the definitive endoderm. Targeted removal of the ASE also dramatically reduces left-sided Nodal expression, but the early events controlling LR axis specification are correctly initiated. However loss of the ASE disrupts Lefty2 (Leftb) expression and causes delayed Pitx2 expression leading to late onset, relatively minor LR patterning defects. The feedback loop is thus essential for maintenance of Nodal signals that selectively regulate target gene expression in a temporally and spatially controlled fashion in the mouse embryo.

HNF3beta and Lim1 interact in the visceral endoderm to regulate primitive streak formation and anterior-posterior polarity in the mouse embryo

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (20) ◽  
pp. 4499-4511 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Perea-Gomez ◽  
W. Shawlot ◽  
H. Sasaki ◽  
R.R. Behringer ◽  
S. Ang
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Primary Defect ◽  
Homozygous Mutant ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Mesoderm Patterning ◽  
Anterior Posterior ◽  
Anterior Visceral Endoderm

Recent embryological and genetic experiments have suggested that the anterior visceral endoderm and the anterior primitive streak of the early mouse gastrula function as head- and trunk-organising centers, respectively. Here, we report that HNF3beta and Lim1 are coexpressed in both organising centers suggesting synergistic roles of these genes in regulating organiser functions and hence axis development in the mouse embryo. To investigate this possibility, we generated compound HNF3beta and Lim1 mutant embryos. An enlarged primitive streak and a lack of axis formation were observed in HNF3beta (−)(/)(−);Lim1(−)(/)(−), but not in single homozygous mutant embryos. Chimera experiments indicate that the primary defect in these double homozygous mutants is due to loss of activity of HNF3beta and Lim1 in the visceral endoderm. Altogether, these data provide evidence that these genes function synergistically to regulate organiser activity of the anterior visceral endoderm. Moreover, HNF3beta (−)(/)(−);Lim1(−)(/)(−) mutant embryos also exhibit defects in mesoderm patterning that are likely due to lack of specification of anterior primitive streak cells.

scholarly journals Patterning of the embryo: the first spatial decisions in the life of a mouse

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
The Body ◽  
Axis Formation ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Spatial Cues ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Animal Pole ◽  
Embryonic Polarity

Although in most species the polarity of the embryo takes its roots from the spatial patterning of the egg, mammals were viewed as an exception. This was because the anteroposterior polarity of the mouse embryo could not be seen until gastrulation, and no developmental cues were known that could define polarity at earlier stages. Why should we now re-consider this view? While mechanisms of axis formation in mammals could, in principle, be unique, the evolutionary conservation of numerous other developmental processes raises the question of why mammals would have evolved a different way or timing of organising their embryonic polarity. Indeed, recent evidence shows that well before the onset of gastrulation, the mouse embryo initiates asymmetric patterns of gene expression in its visceral endoderm. Although this extra-embryonic tissue does not contribute to the body itself, it is involved in axis formation. Other recent work has revealed that spatial distribution of cells in the visceral endoderm can be traced back to polarity present at the blastocyst stage. These insights have raised the possibility that embryonic polarity might also originate early during development of mammalian embryos. Indeed it now appears that there are at least two spatial cues that operate in the mouse egg to shape polarity of the blastocyst. One of these is at the animal pole, which is defined by the site of female meiosis, and another is associated with the position of sperm entry. In this review I discuss these recent findings, which have led to the recognition that mouse embryos initiate development of their polarity at the earliest stages of their life. This novel perspective raises questions about the nature of cellular and molecular mechanisms that could convert developmental cues in the zygote to axes of the blastocyst, and hence into polarity of the post-implantation embryo. It also brings to light the need to understand how such mechanisms could enable early mouse development to be so regulative.

Detrimental effects of two active X chromosomes on early mouse development

Development ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Takagi ◽  
K. Abe
Keyword(s):  
X Chromosome ◽  
Distal Segment ◽  
Translocation Chromosome ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
X Chromosomes ◽  
Developmental Abnormalities ◽  
Inactivation Center ◽  
Normal Males ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Embryonic Ectoderm

Matings between female mice carrying Searle's translocation, T(X;16)16H, and normal males give rise to chromosomally unbalanced zygotes with two complete sets of autosomes, one normal X chromosome and one X16 translocation chromosome (XnX16 embryos). Since X chromosome inactivation does not occur in these embryos, probably due to the lack of the inactivation center on X16, XnX16 embryos are functionally disomic for the proximal 63% of the X chromosome and trisomic for the distal segment of chromosome 16. Developmental abnormalities found in XnX16 embryos include: (1) growth retardation detected as early as stage 9, (2) continual loss of embryonic ectoderm cells either by death or by expulsion into the proamniotic cavity, (3) underdevelopment of the ectoplacental cone throughout the course of development, (4) very limited, if any, mesoderm formation, (5) failure in early organogenesis including the embryo, amnion, chorion and yolk sac. Death occurred at 10 days p.c. Since the combination of XO and trisomy 16 does not severely affect early mouse development, it is likely that regulatory mechanisms essential for early embryogenesis do not function correctly in XnX16 embryos due to activity of the extra X chromosome segment of X16.

Expression of the gap junction proteins connexin31 and connexin43 correlates with communication compartments in extraembryonic tissues and in the gastrulating mouse embryo, respectively

1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-197
Author(s):  
E. Dahl ◽  
E. Winterhager ◽  
B. Reuss ◽  
O. Traub ◽  
A. Butterweck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Inner Cell Mass ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Confocal Laser Scan Microscopy ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Junction Proteins ◽  
In Cells ◽  
Extraembryonic Tissues

We have characterized the pattern of connexin expression in embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during early mouse development. In the preimplantation blastocyst, at 3.5 days post coitum (dpc), immunofluorescent signals specific for connexin31 and connexin43 proteins were present in both the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm, as shown by confocal laser scan microscopy. Immediately after implantation at 6.5 dpc, however, we find complete compartmentation of these two connexins: connexin31 mRNA and protein are expressed exclusively in cells derived from the trophectoderm lineage, whereas connexin43 mRNA and protein are detected in cells derived from the inner cell mass. This expression pattern of connexin31 and connexin43 is maintained at 7.5 dpc when the axial polarity of the mouse embryo is established. It correlates with the communication compartments in extraembryonic tissues and the gastrulating mouse embryo, respectively. The communication boundary between those compartments may be due to incompatibility of connexin31 and connexin43 hemichannels, which do not communicate with each other in cell culture.

Expression pattern of Motch, a mouse homolog of Drosophila Notch, suggests an important role in early postimplantation mouse development

Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 737-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.F. Del Amo ◽  
D.E. Smith ◽  
P.J. Swiatek ◽  
M. Gendron-Maguire ◽  
R.J. Greenspan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Drosophila Embryo ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Partial Cdna Clone

The Notch gene of Drosophila encodes a large transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell interactions and cell fate decisions in the Drosophila embryo. To determine if a gene homologous to Drosophila Notch plays a role in early mouse development, we screened a mouse embryo cDNA library with probes from the Xenopus Notch homolog, Xotch. A partial cDNA clone encoding the mouse Notch homolog, which we have termed Motch, was used to analyze expression of the Motch gene. Motch transcripts were detected in a wide variety of adult tissues, which included derivatives of all three germ layers. Differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells into neuronal cell types resulted in increased expression of Motch RNA. In the postimplantation mouse embryo Motch transcripts were first detected in mesoderm at 7.5 days post coitum (dpc). By 8.5 dpc, transcript levels were highest in presomitic mesoderm, mesenchyme and endothelial cells, while much lower levels were detected in neuroepithelium. In contrast, at 9.5 dpc, neuroepithelium was a major site of Motch expression. Transcripts were also abundant in cell types derived from neural crest. These data suggest that the Motch gene plays multiple roles in patterning and differentiation of the early postimplantation mouse embryo.

Advances in live imaging early mouse development: exploring the researcher's interdisciplinary toolkit

Development ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 148 (18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Stower ◽  
Shankar Srinivas
Keyword(s):  
Early Development ◽  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Embryo Culture ◽  
Computational Analysis ◽  
Live Imaging ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Mouse Embryogenesis ◽  
Dynamic Events ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Image Events

ABSTRACT Live imaging is an important part of the developmental biologist's armoury of methods. In the case of the mouse embryo, recent advances in several disciplines including embryo culture, microscopy hardware and computational analysis have all contributed to our ability to probe dynamic events during early development. Together, these advances have provided us with a versatile and powerful ‘toolkit’, enabling us not only to image events during mouse embryogenesis, but also to intervene with them. In this short Spotlight article, we summarise advances and challenges in using live imaging specifically for understanding early mouse embryogenesis.

Hex: a homeobox gene revealing peri-implantation asymmetry in the mouse embryo and an early transient marker of endothelial cell precursors

Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.Q. Thomas ◽  
A. Brown ◽  
R.S. Beddington
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Mouse Embryo ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Definitive Endoderm ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Primitive Endoderm ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Expression Domain ◽  
Early Marker

The divergent homeobox gene Hex exhibits three notable expression patterns during early mouse development. Initially Hex is expressed in the primitive endoderm of the implanting blastocyst but by 5.5 dpc its transcripts are present only in a small patch of visceral endoderm at the distal tip of the egg cylinder. Lineage analysis shows that these cells move unilaterally to assume an anterior position while continuing to express Hex. The primitive streak forms on the opposite side of the egg cylinder from this anterior Hex expression domain approximately 24 hours after the initial anterior movement of the distal visceral endoderm. Thus, Hex expression marks the earliest unequivocal molecular anteroposterior asymmetry in the mouse embryo and indicates that the anteroposterior axis of the embryo develops from conversion of a proximodistal asymmetry established in the primitive endoderm lineage. Subsequently, Hex is expressed in the earliest definitive endoderm to emerge from the streak and its expression within the gut strongly suggests that the ventral foregut is derived from the most anterior definitive endoderm and that the liver is probably the most anterior gut derivative. Hex is also an early marker of the thyroid primordium. Within the mesoderm, Hex is transiently expressed in the nascent blood islands of the visceral yolk sac and later in embryonic angioblasts and endocardium. Comparison with flk-1 (T. P. Yamaguchi et al., Development 118, 489–498, 1993) expression indicates that Hex is also an early marker of endothelial precursors but its expression in this progenitor population is much more transient than that of flk-1, being downregulated once endothelial cell differentiation commences.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Regulator BPTF/FAC1 Is Essential for Trophoblast Differentiation during Early Mouse Development

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (22) ◽  
pp. 6819-6827 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Goller ◽  
Franz Vauti ◽  
Suresh Ramasamy ◽  
Hans-Henning Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Transcriptional Regulator ◽  
Primitive Streak ◽  
Embryonic Lethality ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Mouse Development ◽  
Trophoblast Stem Cells ◽  
Early Mouse ◽  
Ectoplacental Cone

ABSTRACT The putative transcriptional regulator BPTF/FAC1 is expressed in embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of the early mouse conceptus. The extraembryonic trophoblast lineage in mammals is essential to form the fetal part of the placenta and hence for the growth and viability of the embryo in utero. Here, we describe a loss-of-function allele of the BPTF/FAC1 gene that causes embryonic lethality in the mouse. BPTF/FAC1-deficient embryos form apparently normal blastocysts that implant and develop epiblast, visceral endoderm, and extraembryonic ectoderm including trophoblast stem cells. Subsequent development of mutants, however, is arrested at the early gastrula stage (embryonic day 6.5), and virtually all null embryos die before midgestation. Most notably, the ectoplacental cone is drastically reduced or absent in mutants, which may cause the embryonic lethality. Development of the mutant epiblast is also affected, as the anterior visceral endoderm and the primitive streak do not form correctly, while brachyury-expressing mesodermal cells arise but are delayed. The mutant phenotype suggests that gastrulation is initiated, but no complete anteroposterior axis of the epiblast appears. We conclude that BPTF/FAC1 is essential in the extraembryonic lineage for correct development of the ectoplacental cone and fetomaternal interactions. In addition, BPTF/FAC1 may also play a role either directly or indirectly in anterior-posterior patterning of the epiblast.

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