Serum response factor is essential for mesoderm formation during mouse embryogenesis.
EMBO J
; 17(21): 6289-99, 1998 Nov 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9799237
ABSTRACT
The transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), a phylogenetically conserved nuclear protein, mediates the rapid transcriptional response to extracellular stimuli, e.g. growth and differentiation signals. DNA- protein complexes containing SRF or its homologues function as nuclear targets of the Ras/MAPK signalling network, thereby directing gene activities associated with processes as diverse as pheromone signalling, cell-cycle progression (transitions G0-G1 and G2-M), neuronal synaptic transmission and muscle cell differentiation. So far, the activity of mammalian SRF has been studied exclusively in cultured cells. To study SRF function in a multicellular organism we generated an Srf null allele in mice. SRF-deficient embryos (Srf -/-) have a severe gastrulation defect and do not develop to term. They consist of misfolded ectodermal and endodermal cell layers, do not form a primitive streak or any detectable mesodermal cells and fail to express the developmental marker genes Bra (T), Bmp-2/4 and Shh. Activation of the SRF-regulated immediate early genes Egr-1 and c-fos, as well as the alpha-Actin gene, is severely impaired. Our study identifies SRF as a new and essential regulator of mammalian mesoderm formation. We therefore suggest that in mammals Ras/MAPK signalling contributes to mesoderm induction, as is the case in amphibia.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas Nucleares
/
Proteínas de Ligação a DNA
/
Desenvolvimento Embrionário e Fetal
/
Mesoderma
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
EMBO J
Ano de publicação:
1998
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Alemanha