Klf4 is required for germ-layer differentiation and body axis patterning during Xenopus embryogenesis
Klf4 is required for germ-layer differentiation and body axis patterning during Xenopus embryogenesis
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在非洲爪蟾胚胎发生过程中，Klf4 是胚层分化和体轴模式所必需的
DOI：
10.1242/dev.082024
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发表时间：
2012-11-01
期刊：
影响因子：
4.6
通讯作者：
Cao, Ying
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Cao, Qing;Zhang, Xuena;Cao, Ying
Klf 4是Kruppel样因子家族的转录因子，在干细胞生物学中起重要作用;然而，其在胚胎发生中的功能尚不清楚。在这里，我们报告的Klf 4同源物在非洲爪蟾胚胎发生过程中的特点。Klf 4在母体和合子中转录，并且在胚层形成期间转录物普遍存在于胚胎中。Klf 4以Nodal/激活素依赖性和非依赖性方式促进内胚层分化。此外，Klf 4通过激活Spemann组织者中的基因子集（例如Noggin、Dkk 1和Cerberus，其编码Nodal、Wnt和BMP拮抗剂）来调节前后体轴模式。Klf 4功能的丧失导致胚层分化的失败、早期胚胎细胞对诱导信号（例如Nodal/Activin）的响应性的丧失以及参与轴模式化的基因的转录的丧失。我们得出结论，Klf 4是所需的生殖层分化和体轴图案的手段，使早期胚胎细胞有能力分化信号。
Klf4 is a transcription factor of the family of Kruppel-like factors and plays important roles in stem cell biology; however, its function during embryogenesis is unknown. Here, we report the characterization of a Klf4 homologue in Xenopus laevis during embryogenesis. Klf4 is transcribed both maternally and zygotically and the transcript is ubiquitous in embryos during germ-layer formation. Klf4 promotes endoderm differentiation in both Nodal/Activin-dependent and -independent manners. Moreover, Klf4 regulates anteroposterior body axis patterning via activation of a subset of genes in the Spemann organizer, such as Noggin, Dkk1 and Cerberus, which encode Nodal, Wnt and BMP antagonists. Loss of Klf4 function leads to the failure of germ-layer differentiation, the loss of responsiveness of early embryonic cells to inducing signals, e.g. Nodal/Activin, and the loss of transcription of genes involved in axis patterning. We conclude that Klf4 is required for germ-layer differentiation and body axis patterning by means of rendering early embryonic cells competent to differentiation signals.