Bmp4 regulates chick Ebf2 and Ebf3 gene expression in somite development. (23rd September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El‐Magd, Mohammed A.; Allen, Steve; McGonnell, Imelda; Otto, Anthony; Patel, Ketan
• Is Part Of: Development growth and differentiation. Volume 55:Number 8(2013)
• Page Start: 710
• Page End: 722
• Publication Date: 2013-09-23
• Subjects: Embryology -- Periodicals; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; Growth -- Periodicals; 574.3
• DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-1592

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="dgd12077-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The chick Early B‐cell Factor‐2 and 3 (<italic>cEbf2</italic> and <italic>cEbf3</italic>) genes are members of EBF family of helix loop helix transcription factors. The expression, regulation and importance of these genes have been extensively studied in lymphatic, nervous and muscular tissues. Recently, a new role for some members of EBF in bone development has been investigated. However, the expression profile and regulation in the axial skeleton precursor, the somite, have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the expression and regulation of <italic>cEbf2</italic> and <italic>cEbf3</italic> genes in the developing chick embryo somite from HH4 to HH28. The spatiotemporal expression study revealed predominant localization of <italic>cEbf2</italic> and <italic>cEbf3</italic> in the lateral sclerotomal domains and later around vertebral cartilage anlagen of the arch and the proximal rib. Subsequently, microsurgeries, ectopic gene expression experiments were performed to analyze which tissues and factors regulate <italic>cEbf2</italic> and <italic>cEbf3</italic> expression. Lateral barriers experiments indicated the necessity for lateral signal(s) in the regulation of <italic>cEbf2 and cEbf3</italic> genes. Results from tissue manipulations and ectopic gene expression experiments indicate that lateral plate‐derived <italic>Bmp4</italic> signals are necessary for the initiation and maintenance of <italic>cEbf2 and cEbf3</italic> genes in somites. In conclusion, <italic>cEbf2</italic> and <italic>cEbf3</italic> genes are considered as lateral sclerotome markers which their expression is regulated by <italic>Bmp4</italic> signals from the lateral plate mesoderm.</p> </abstract>