An interacting network of T-box genes directs gene expression and fate in the zebrafish mesoderm

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Aug 5;100(16):9410-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1633548100. Epub 2003 Jul 25.

Abstract

T-box genes encode transcription factors that play critical roles in generating the vertebrate body plan. In many developmental fields, multiple T-box genes are expressed in overlapping domains, establishing broad regions in which different combinations of T-box genes are coexpressed. Here we demonstrate that three T-box genes expressed in the zebrafish mesoderm, no tail, spadetail, and tbx6, operate as a network of interacting genes to regulate region-specific gene expression and developmental fate. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function genetic analyses reveal three kinds of interactions among the T-box genes: combinatorial interactions that generate new regulatory functions, additive contributions to common developmental pathways, and competitive antagonism governing downstream gene expression. We propose that T-box genes, like Hox genes, often function within gene networks comprised of related family members.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Fetal Proteins
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Mesoderm / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • MyoD Protein / metabolism
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / genetics*
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / metabolism
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / physiology*
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Fetal Proteins
  • MyoD Protein
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • tbx16 protein, zebrafish
  • Brachyury protein

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY150226
  • GENBANK/AY150227