Identification of a gene that can control expression of endoderm-specific genes

我们利用人类iPS细胞分化系统探索了一个参与内胚层分化的新基因。我们发现Runx1基因的表达在细胞从中胚层阶段向终胚层阶段分化时消失。此外，Runx1可以通过直接结合内胚层特异性基因Foxa2和Sox17的调控区域，负向调控这些基因的表达。相反，当Runx1的功能被其显性阴性突变体抑制时，Foxa2、Sox17、GATA4基因的表达水平升高。因此，Runx1不仅对中胚层分化很重要，而且对内胚层分化也很重要。

We explored a novel gene that is involved in endodermal differentiation by using a human iPS cell-differentiation system. We found that expression of Runx1 gene was disappeared when cells were differentiated from the mesendoderm stage to definitive endoderm stage. Also, Runx1 could negatively regulate the expression of endoderm-specific genes, such as Foxa2 and Sox17, by directly binding the regulatory regions of their genes. In contrast, when the function of Runx1 was inhibited by its dominant-negative mutant, expression levels of Foxa2, Sox17, GATA4 genes were increased. Therefore, Runx1 is important for not only mesoderm differentiation but also endoderm differentiation.