Foxj1 regulates asymmetric gene expression during left–right axis patterning in mice

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 324; no. 4; pp. 1413 - 1420
• Main Authors: Zhang, Min, Bolfing, Mary F., Knowles, Heather J., Karnes, Hope, Hackett, Brian P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 26.11.2004
• Subjects: Animals; Body Patterning - genetics; Cilia; Cilia - ultrastructure; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; DNA-Binding Proteins - physiology; Embryo, Mammalian - anatomy & histology; Embryo, Mammalian - metabolism; Embryo, Mammalian - ultrastructure; Forkhead Transcription Factors; Foxj1; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Heart - embryology; Heart Defects, Congenital - embryology; Heterotaxia; Homeobox Protein PITX2; Homeodomain Proteins - biosynthesis; Homeodomain Proteins - genetics; Left-Right Determination Factors; Lefty-2; Left–right asymmetry; Mice - embryology; Mice - genetics; Mice - metabolism; Mice, Knockout; Myocardium - metabolism; Nodal; Nodal Protein; Node; Nuclear Proteins - biosynthesis; Nuclear Proteins - genetics; Pitx2; Transcription Factors - genetics; Transcription Factors - physiology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - biosynthesis; Transforming Growth Factor beta - genetics; Nodal; Lefty-2; Node; Foxj1; Pitx2; Heterotaxia; Left–right asymmetry; Cilia
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.09.207

Mice with a targeted mutation of the foxj1 gene demonstrate either D- or L-looping of the embryonic cardiac tube. Foxj1 is expressed in ventral cells of the embryonic node prior to asymmetric, left–right expression of other genes. Despite an absence of 9 + 2 cilia in foxj1 −/− mice, 9 + 0 cilia are present in the node of foxj1 −/− embryos. In foxj1 −/− embryos, the patterns of expression of the TGF-β family member nodal and the homeobox family member pitx2 are randomized. No expression of the TGF-β family member lefty-2 is observed in any foxj1 −/− early somite stage embryos. Foxj1 thus acts early in left–right axis patterning and regulates asymmetric gene expression. This regulation does not appear to be the result of a direct interaction between Foxj1 and the genes examined.