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The VpreB1 enhancer drives developmental stage-specific gene expression in vivo.

In adult mice, the VpreB genes are expressed in bone marrow progenitor (pro-) and precursor (pre-) B cells. As part of the pre-B cell receptor, the proteins are crucial for the proliferation of these cells and consequently normal B lymphocyte development. Using cell lines, we identified a lineage- and developmental-stage-specific VpreB1 enhancer. Here, we analyze its specificity in vivo by generating transgenic mice in which expression of a reporter gene (human CD122) is regulated by the VpreB1 enhancer in the context of its own promoter. All transgenic lines expressed the reporter gene in the bone marrow in a copy number-independent manner, whereas expression levels were integration site-dependent. While the enhancer is not tissue specific, within the B cell lineage the expression pattern of human CD122 mimicked that of endogenous VpreB1. Thus, low levels were detected in pro-B cells, high levels in pre-BI and slightly lower levels in pre-BII cells; no expression was detected in immature/mature B cells. Furthermore, when in vitro cultured transgenic pre-B cells differentiated into immature B cells there was concomitant down-regulation of human CD122 and endogenous VpreB1. Thus the VpreB1 enhancer is sufficient to ensure developmental stage-specific expression of a reporter gene in B lymphocytes in vivo.

5' Flanking Region↗

Comparative studies on the mRNA expression of development-related genes in an individual mouse blastocyst with different developmental potential.

The evaluation of embryo morphology, widely used for selecting mammalian embryos before transfer, is not an adequate standard for selecting nuclear-transferred (NT) embryos. To search for markers useful for predicting the potential of NT embryos to develop into young, we examined the relation between the morphology of embryos with different developmental potential and gene expression of Oct 4, Nanog, Stat3, FGF4, Stella, and Sox2. In the present study, we examined pronuclear-exchanged blastocysts and morula blastomere, embryonic stem (ES) cell, and cumulus cell NT blastocysts, and in vivo-developed and in vitro-developed blastocysts. Based on the small variations in the gene expression levels among the in vivo-developed blastocysts, and the significant differences in gene expression between in vivo-developed (high developmental potential), and ES cell and cumulus cell NT blastocysts (low developmental potential), down-regulation of Sox2 and Oct4 genes is considered to be a candidate marker for the low potential of NT embryos to develop into young.

Animals↗

Control of pre-BCR signaling by Pax5-dependent activation of the BLNK gene.

The developmental progression from pro-B to pre-B cells is controlled by pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) signaling which depends on BLNK (SLP-65) for coupling the Syk kinase to its downstream effector pathways. Here we identified BLNK as a direct target of the transcription factor Pax5 (BSAP). Restoration of BLNK expression in Ig(mu) transgenic Pax5(-/-) pro-B cells resulted in constitutive pre-BCR signaling and increased cell proliferation without inducing progression to the pre-B cell stage. Ig(mu)(+) Pax5(-/-) pro-B cells expressing a BLNK-estrogen receptor fusion protein initiated signaling immediately upon hormone addition, which facilitated analysis of pre-BCR-induced gene expression changes. The pre-BCR was shown to execute its checkpoint function by regulating genes involved in cell proliferation, intracellular signaling, growth factor responsiveness, and V(D)J recombination.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Calmodulin gene family in potato: developmental and touch-induced expression of the mRNA encoding a novel isoform.

Eight genomic clones of potato calmodulin (PCM1 to 8) were isolated and characterized. Sequence comparisons of different genes revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence of PCM1 had several unique substitutions, especially in the fourth Ca(2+)-binding area. The expression patterns of different genes were studied by northern analysis using the 3'-untranslated regions as probes. The expression of PCM1, 5, and 8 was highest in the stolon tip and it decreased during tuber development. The expression of PCM6 did not vary much in the tissues tested, except in the leaves, where the expression was lower; whereas, the expression of PCM4 was very low in all the tissues. The expression of PCM2 and PCM3 was not detected in any of the tissues tested. Among these genes, only PCM1 showed increased expression following touch stimulation. To study the regulation of PCM1, transgenic potato plants carrying the PCM1 promoter fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene were produced. GUS expression was found to be developmentally regulated and touch-responsive, indicating a positive correlation between the expression of PCM1 and GUS mRNAs. These results suggest that the 5'-flanking region of PCM1 controls developmental and touch-induced expression. X-Gluc staining patterns revealed that GUS localization is high in meristematic tissues such as the stem apex, stolon tip, and vascular regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The mouse Edr2 (Mph2) gene has two forms of mRNA encoding 90- and 36-kDa polypeptides.

The vertebrate Polycomb Group (PcG) genes encode proteins that form large multimeric and chromatin-associated complexes implicated in the stable repression of developmentally essential genes. Here we have isolated a 2.5-kb cDNA for Edr2, a mouse homolog of the Drosophila PcG gene Ph, although it was originally identified as a 3.8-kb cDNA. However, little is known about molecular basis of the 3.8-kb cDNA. Genomic and RNA analyses have shown that Edr2 locates on Chromosome 4 as a single copy gene and is transcribed into at least two transcript isoforms about 3.0 and 4.4 kb in length, most likely corresponding to the 2.5- and 3.8-kb cDNAs, respectively. The largest open reading frames in the 2.5- and 3.8-kb cDNAs encode 36- and 90-kDa polypeptides, respectively. The 36-kDa protein is a truncated form lacking of the N-terminal region of the 90-kDa protein. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that the 3.0-kb mRNA accumulates at a much higher level than the 3.8-kb mRNA in mouse embryos and mature tissues. Immunostaining assay of mammalian cells has shown that the 36-kDa form tagged with HA colocalizes with the other PcG protein Mel18 in nuclei, suggesting that the smaller protein is capable of forming maltimeric complex with other PcG proteins. Therefore, the 36-kDa protein might function generally as a PcG protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hox control of organ size by regulation of morphogen production and mobility.

Selector genes modify developmental pathways to sculpt animal body parts. Although body parts differ in size, the ways in which selector genes create size differences are unknown. We have studied how the Drosophila Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx) limits the size of the haltere, which, by the end of larval development, has approximately fivefold fewer cells than the wing. We find that Ubx controls haltere size by restricting both the transcription and the mobility of the morphogen Decapentaplegic (Dpp). Ubx restricts Dpp's distribution in the haltere by increasing the amounts of the Dpp receptor, thickveins. Because morphogens control tissue growth in many contexts, these findings provide a potentially general mechanism for how selector genes modify organ sizes.

Animals↗

Tissue specific expression and developmental regulation of two genes coding for rat fatty acid binding proteins.

We have examined the tissue distribution and developmental regulation of two low molecular weight cytosolic fatty acid binding proteins. Based on their initial site of isolation, they have been referred to as liver and intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (FABP). Cloned cDNAs were used to probe blots of RNAs extracted from a wide variety of adult rat tissues as well as small intestine and liver RNA obtained from fetal, suckling, and weaning animals. The highest concentrations of "liver" FABP mRNA were found in small intestine and liver. "Intestinal" FABP mRNA is most abundant in small bowel RNA while only trace amounts were encountered in liver. Both mRNAs were detectable in stomach, colon, pancreas, spleen, lung, heart, testes, adrenal, and brain RNA at 1-8% the concentrations observed in small intestine. Accumulation of both mRNAs in the small intestinal epithelium increases during development. The mRNAs are first detectable between the 19th and 21st day of gestation. They undergo a coordinated 3-4-fold increase in concentration within the first 24 h after birth. Thereafter, gut levels of intestinal FABP mRNA remain constant during the suckling period while liver FABP mRNA increases an additional 2-fold. Liver FABP mRNA levels are also induced in hepatocytes during the first postnatal day but subsequently do not change during the suckling and weaning phase, despite marked alterations in hepatic fatty acid metabolism. These observations support the concept that the major role of these proteins is to facilitate the entry of lipids into cells and/or their subsequent intracellular transport and compartmentalization. The data also raise questions about the identity of extragastrointestinal FABPs.

Aging↗

Deletion mapping of the T/t complex: evidence for a second region of critical embryonic genes.

The developmental effects of three different deletion mutations of the T/t complex of the mouse have been studied. The three mutations, TOak Ridge (OR), TOrleans (TOrl), and THair pin (THp), each produce a unique homozygous lethal phenotype: THp homozygotes fail to develop normally past the morula stage, TOrl homozygotes past the blastocyst stage, and TOR homozygotes past the egg cylinder stage. In compound embryos (TX/TY), the lethal phenotype observed corresponds to the shared length of deleted chromosome. This interaction allows the regions of chromosome 17, containing genetic information critical to early mammalian development, to be mapped.

Animals↗

Lead-induced developmental changes in AP-1 DNA binding in rat brain.

Exposure to lead during ontogeny is detrimental to the growth and development of the brain. Morphological abnormalities occur in the developing brain, which are manifested as mental retardation and other neurological disorders. Despite extensive research, the biochemical mechanism for neurological effects of lead has not been established but appears to be at the level of the genome since aberrant expression of developmentally-important genes has been reported. Basal levels of activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor DNA binding are elevated in the rat brain during the early postnatal period. The AP-1 DNA binding complex is composed of a Jun:cAMP responsive element binding protein dimer, which appears to modulate expression of developmentally-important genes that contain AP-1 binding sites in their promoter. Brain regions from perinatally lead-exposed rats were examined on postnatal days 3, 9 and 15 for DNA binding activity to the AP-1 DNA sequence. AP-1 DNA binding activities were significantly increased on postnatal day 3 in hippocampus and cortex from lead-treated rats with no other area (frontal lobe or brainstem) or timepoint showing significant changes. Since no increases were detected in the level of Jun protein which is a component of the AP-1 binding complex, post-translational modification may be involved in enhancing DNA binding activity. By altering levels of AP-1 DNA binding to the promoter regions, lead exposure may be changing the levels of mRNA synthesis of developmentally important genes.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of myostatin gene and characterization of tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific expression of the gene in orange spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides.

In this article we report the molecular cloning and characterization of a nonmammalian myostatin (growth and differentiation factor-8, MSTN) homolog from the orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning. The grouper MSTN gene consists of two introns [Intron I (363 bp) and Intron II (811 bp)] flanked by three exons [Exon I (379 bp), Exon II (371 bp) and Exon III (381 bp)]. A full-length cDNA clone (2608 bp) of the MSTN gene (GenBank DQ493889, nucleotide sequence in the coding region identical to GeneBank AY856860) was also isolated. This cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 376 amino acid residues that showed 25% to 96% homology with MSTNs of molluscan, teleostean, avian, and mammalian species. Phylogenetic analysis of the grouper MSTN polypeptide confirmed the evolutionary relationships of this MSTN with other known MSTNs. Results of reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis of the total RNA extracted from different tissues revealed that MSTN gene is expressed not only in the skeletal muscle, but also in other tissues. MSTN mRNA was also detected in different embryonic developmental and larval stages. Because the tissue-specific expression of MSTN gene in grouper is different from that in mammals, it might suggest that MSTN gene may possess additional functions other than regulating muscle growth in fish.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Developmental control of argininosuccinate lyase gene by methylation.

The gene of argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is expressed in a developmental specific manner in the liver and is regulated by hormones, namely glucocorticoids, glucagon and insulin. To assess the role of DNA methylation in the developmental pattern of ASL gene expression, we analyzed the restriction profile obtained by cleavage of genomic DNA with MspI and HpaII in fetal and adult rat liver, two developmental stages with different levels of expression of the ASL gene. Southern analysis showed that the 5' region of this gene appeared more methylated in the fetal liver which expressed ASL at a low level than in the adult liver where the ASL gene is highly expressed. Moreover, treatment of fetuses of various gestational stages with the hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine for 18 h caused an increase of the hepatic ASL activity and mRNA level. The stimulating effect of this drug could be also observed in vitro in cultured fetal hepatocytes. These results suggest a developmental control of the ASL gene by the DNA methylation status.

Animals↗

Developmental regulation of ACE gene expression by endogenous kinins and angiotensin II.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, i.e., kininase II), a key regulator of kinins and angiotensin II (ANG II) generation, is developmentally regulated and its expression is induced at a specific time point (day 15) of postnatal kidney development. The present study tested the hypothesis that endogenous kinins and ANG II regulate the developmental expression of the renal ACE gene. In the first protocol, newborn rats received the kallikrein inhibitor, aprotinin (100,000 KIU.kg-1.day-1 sc), or the kinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE-140 (600 micrograms.kg-1.day-1 sc), or 0.9% saline, from birth until postnatal days 5, 15, or 20. Aprotinin prevented the postnatal rise in renal kallikrein activity without affecting blood pressure in either developing or adult rats. Chronic kallikrein blockade significantly attenuated the postnatal induction of both serum ACE activity (-11% vs. controls) and kidney ACE activity and mRNA (-50% vs. controls). In addition, aprotinin attenuated the postnatal rise of ACE activity in the developing lungs. Kidney renin mRNA and ANG II contents were not altered by aprotinin. HOE-140 also attenuated the postnatal rise in kidney ACE mRNA (-25%) and activity (-40%) without affecting blood pressure. Infusion of aprotinin or HOE-140 via osmotic minipumps for 7 days in adult rats was not associated with any changes in renal or pulmonary ACE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

A light-independent developmental mechanism potentiates flavonoid gene expression in Arabidopsis seedlings.

Throughout the plant kingdom expression of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway is precisely regulated in response to developmental signals, nutrient status, and environmental stimuli such as light, heat and pathogen attack. Previously we showed that, in developing Arabidopsis seedlings, flavonoid genes are transiently expressed during germination in a light-dependent manner, with maximal mRNA levels occurring in 3-day-old seedlings. Here we describe the relationship between developmental and environmental regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis by examining phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR) mRNA levels in germinating Arabidopsis seedlings as a function of light, developmental stage and temperature. We show that seedlings exhibit a transient potential for induction of these four genes, which is distinct from that observed for chlorophyll a/b-binding protein(CAB). The potential for flavonoid gene induction was similar in seedlings grown in darkness and red light, indicating that induction potential is not linked to cotyledon expansion or the development of photosynthetic capacity. The evidence for metabolic regulation of flavonoid genes during seedling development is discussed.

Acyltransferases↗

Apolipoprotein E gene expression in astrocytes: developmental pattern and regulation.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is involved in brain development and repair. In order to investigate the contribution of astrocytes to ApoE gene expression, we investigated ApoE mRNA levels in mouse brain and in astroglial primary cultures during postnatal development and in two different trauma models. A biphasic developmental pattern was observed consisting in an increased expression during the first 2 weeks and a decrease in the later stages. A similar pattern was obtained in highly enriched primary cultures, suggesting ApoE mRNA location in the astroglial population and an important role for ApoE in astroglial development and/or function. ApoE gene expression could be modulated in culture by administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) which mimics a bacterial infection, or in reactive astrocytes consequent to a chemically induced lesion, suggesting that ApoE might be involved in the inflammatory events consequent to both situations. These results underline the importance of astrocytes in regenerative processes.

Animals↗

IMP-L3, A 20-hydroxyecdysone-responsive gene encodes Drosophila lactate dehydrogenase: structural characterization and developmental studies.

IMP-L3, a gene isolated as a potential mediator of imaginal disc morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, encodes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The predicted amino acid sequence of IMP-L3 is 58-61% identical to those of human LDHs. In cultured imaginal discs, IMP-L3 transcript levels and LDH enzyme activity increase in response to the steroid hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone. In embryos, IMP-L3 transcript and LDH activity appear in developing somatic muscles by late stage 13, well before the onset of muscular contraction. High levels of transcript and LDH activity persist throughout embryogenesis and throughout larval development. The gene has been localized by in situ hybridization and deficiency mapping to 65A7-65B2 on the third chromosome. LDH activity is reduced to approximately 50% of wild type in animals heterozygous for a deficiency that removes the 65A-B region. Embryos deficient for the 65A-b region lack LDH activity. We conclude that IMP-L3 is the only gene that encodes LDH in Drosophila.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Retinoic acid receptors in normal growth and development.

Retinoic acid receptors are ligand activated transcription factors that have a variety of important roles in normal development, through regulating the transcription of other developmental control genes. The great diversity of RA mediated developmental events is made possible through the existence of three receptor subtypes, each of which has a number of isoforms. The mechanism of gene regulation is thought to involve binding to an RA response element on the target gene, although in practice, few genes known to be activated by RA have so far been demonstrated to include such an element in the promoter region. Differential spatiotemporal expression patterns of the various subtypes have been described in mouse embryos, including very fine differences within different subpopulations of cells of the same tissue. In addition to qualitative differences in the gene activation responses to RA through spatiotemporal differences in RAR expression patterns, local differences in RAR activation may be modulated by cytoplasmic binding proteins for retinol and RA, through quantitative control of ligand availability. The developmental control genes known to be activated by RA include the 3' members of each of the homoeogene clusters, and it is likely that others will be identified in the near future.

Animals↗

Developmental regulation of a cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase gene from tomato plants.

This report describes the characterisation of a gene (APX20) from tomato plants that encodes a cytosolic isoform of ascorbate peroxidase which is involved in the detoxification of intracellular H2O2. Expression analysis of promoter-GUS fusions in transgenic plants reveals that the gene is under strict developmental control, becoming transcriptionally active in cells which are apparently undergoing mechanical stimulation generated during the different phases of growth. We show that the APX20 gene contains a large 5' leader intron which is required to confer constitutive gene expression in leaves, but not in other organs of the plant. Based on these observations, we propose that the observed transcriptional regulation of this gene may constitute a basic mechanism for deployment of antioxidative defences in plants, which act to limit the deleterious effects of H2O2 generated during normal plant development.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

Gonadal and Extragonadal Functions of Ad4BP/SF-1: Developmental Aspects.

Gene disruption studies have clearly indicated that 4-binding protein/steroidogenic factor 1 (Ad4BP/SF-1), originally identified as a steroidogenic tissue-specific transcription factor, plays crucial roles in the process of non-steroidogenic as well as steroidogenic tissue differentiation. Although the precise mechanisms underlying differentiation of these tissues are still under investigation, spatial and temporal expression profiles of the gene encoding Ad4BP/SF-1 support its contribution to tissue development from the earliest stages of ontogeny.

Journal Article↗