MHox: a mesodermally restricted homeodomain protein that binds an essential site in the muscle creatine kinase enhancer

Transcription factors in cardiogenesis: the combinations that unlock the mysteries of the heart

Heart formation is one of the first signs of organogenesis within the developing embryo and this process is conserved from flies to man. Completing the genetic roadmap of the molecular mechanisms that control the cell specification and differentiation of cells that form the developing heart has been an exciting and fast-moving area of research in the fields of molecular and developmental biology. At the core of these studies is an interest in the transcription factors that are responsible for initiation of a pluripotent cell to become programmed to the cardiac lineage and the subsequent transcription factors that implement the instructions set up by the cells commitment decision. To gain a better understanding of these pathways, cardiac-expressed transcription factors have been identified, cloned, overexpressed, and mutated to try to determine function. Although results vary depending on the gene in question, it is clear that there is a striking evolutionary conservation of the cardiogenic program among species. As we move up the evolutionary ladder toward man, we encounter cases of functional redundancy and combinatorial interactions that reflect the complex networks of gene expression that orchestrate heart development. This review focuses on what is known about the transcription factors implicated in heart formation and the role they play in this intricate genetic program.

Adenovirus mediated gene transfer to skeletal muscle

Transfer of therapeutic genes into muscle tissue has promise for the treatment of a variety of muscular dystrophies. Various vectors have been used to deliver genes to skeletal muscle but their application has faced several major limitations including: (1) the lack of transgene persistence caused by the immune rejection of transduced myofibers and/or vector toxicity, and (2) the maturation dependence of viral transduction. While the immunorejection and/or cytotoxic problems are being overcome with the development of new vectors, maturation-dependent viral transduction is still a major hurdle in gene transfer to skeletal muscle. Poor adenoviral transduction in mature myofibers has been attributed to: (1) the extracellular matrix of mature myofibers may form a physical barrier and prevent the passage of large viral particles; (2) viral receptors are down-regulated with muscle maturation; and (3) loss of myoblasts with muscle maturation, which serve as intermediaries in the viral transduction. In this review, we will focus on recent developments in overcoming those hurdles of gene therapy in skeletal muscle, especially to adenovirus (Ad), including: (1) new mutant vectors lacking all viral genes to decrease immunogenicity, and hence, improve persistence of transgene expression in muscle in vivo; (2) using tissue specific promoters to evade immunorejection; (3) permeabilization of the extracellular matrix; (4) modifying the viral receptors in mature myofibers; and (5) myoblast or muscle stem cell mediated ex vivo gene transfer.

Expression of Cre Recombinase in the developing mouse limb bud driven by a Prxl enhancer

We have used a Prx1 limb enhancer to drive expression of Cre Recombinase in transgenic mice. This regulatory element leads to Cre expression throughout the early limb bud mesenchyme and in a subset of craniofacial mesenchyme. Crossing a murine line carrying this transgene to a reporter mouse harboring a floxed Cre-reporter cassette revealed that recombinase activity is first observed in the earliest limb bud at 9.5 dpc. By early to mid bud stages at 10.5 dpc recombination is essentially complete in all mesenchymal cells in the limb. Expression of the Cre recombinase was never detected in the limb bud ectoderm. The use of Prx1-Cre mice should facilitate analysis of gene function in the developing limb.

Microarray analysis of novel cell lines representing two stages of metanephric mesenchyme differentiation

Clonal cell lines representing different developmental stages of the metanephric mesenchyme were made from transgenic mice with the Simian Virus 40 T-antigen (SV40 Tag) gene driven by the Hoxa 11 promoter. The resulting mK3 cell line represented early metanephric mesenchyme, prior to induction by the ureteric bud. These cells showed a spindle-shaped, fibroblast morphology. They expressed genes characteristic of early mesenchyme, including Hoxa 11, Hoxd 11, collagen I, and vimentin. Moreover, the mK3 cells displayed early metanephric mesenchyme biological function. In organ co-culture experiments they were able to induce growth and branching of the ureteric bud. Another cell line, mK4, represented later, induced metanephric mesenchyme undergoing epithelial conversion. These cells were more polygonal, or epithelial in shape, and expressed genes diagnostic of late mesenchyme, including Pax-2, Pax-8, Wnt-4, Cadherin-6, Collagen IV, and LFB3. To better define the gene expression patterns of kidney metanephric mesenchyme cells at these two stages of development, RNAs from the mK3 and mK4 cells were hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip probe arrays. Over 4000 expressed genes were identified and thereby implicated in kidney formation. Comparison of the mK3 and mK4 gene expression profiles revealed 121 genes showing greater than a ten-fold difference in expression level. Several are known to be expressed during metanephric mesenchyme differentiation, but most had not been previously associated with this process. In situ hybridizations were used to confirm that selected novel genes were expressed in the developing kidney.

A triad of serum response factor and the GATA and NK families governs the transcription of smooth and cardiac muscle genes

Serum response factor and the (CC(A/T)(6)GG) (CArG) box interact to promote the transcription of c-fos and muscle genes; this tissue-specific activity may require co-regulators for serum response factor. The alpha(1) integrin promoter contains two cis-elements besides the CArG box: a TAAT sequence, a consensus binding site for homeoproteins, and a GATA-binding box. As a candidate TAAT-binding factor, we cloned an NK family homeobox gene, Nkx-3.2, which is expressed mainly in smooth muscle tissues and skeletal structures. Nkx-3.2, serum response factor, and GATA-6 were co-expressed only in the medial smooth muscle layer of arteries. These three transcription factors formed a complex with their corresponding cis-elements and cooperatively transactivated smooth muscle genes, including alpha(1) integrin, SM22alpha, and caldesmon. Cardiac muscle-specific members of the NK and GATA families exist, and the triad of Nkx-2.5, serum response factor, and GATA-4 also transactivated the cardiac atrial natriuretic factor gene, which contains a CArG-like box, a GATA-binding box, and an NK-binding element. Our findings demonstrate that smooth and cardiac muscle have a shared transcriptional machinery and that the GATA and NK families confer muscle specificity on the serum response factor/CArG interaction.

Microarray analysis of novel cell lines representing two stages of metanephric mesenchyme differentiation

Clonal cell lines representing different developmental stages of the metanephric mesenchyme were made from transgenic mice with the Simian Virus 40 T-antigen (SV40 Tag) gene driven by the Hoxa 11 promoter. The resulting mK3 cell line represented early metanephric mesenchyme, prior to induction by the ureteric bud. These cells showed a spindle-shaped, fibroblast morphology. They expressed genes characteristic of early mesenchyme, including Hoxa 11, Hoxd 11, collagen I, and vimentin. Moreover, the mK3 cells displayed early metanephric mesenchyme biological function. In organ co-culture experiments they were able to induce growth and branching of the ureteric bud. Another cell line, mK4, represented later, induced metanephric mesenchyme undergoing epithelial conversion. These cells were more polygonal, or epithelial in shape, and expressed genes diagnostic of late mesenchyme, including Pax-2, Pax-8, Wnt-4, Cadherin-6, Collagen IV, and LFB3. To better define the gene expression patterns of kidney metanephric mesenchyme cells at these two stages of development, RNAs from the mK3 and mK4 cells were hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip probe arrays. Over 4000 expressed genes were identified and thereby implicated in kidney formation. Comparison of the mK3 and mK4 gene expression profiles revealed 121 genes showing greater than a ten-fold difference in expression level. Several are known to be expressed during metanephric mesenchyme differentiation, but most had not been previously associated with this process. In situ hybridizations were used to confirm that selected novel genes were expressed in the developing kidney.

Investigation of Prx1 protein expression provides evidence for conservation of cardiac-specific posttranscriptional regulation in vertebrates

Gene targeting experiments have defined that the homeobox gene Prx1 is essential for normal craniofacial, limb, and vascular development. Although its RNA expression pattern is well established, Prx1 protein expression in the developing embryo has not been examined. A novel Prx1 antibody was produced to define the normal Prx1 protein expression pattern in the developing mouse embryo. In craniofacial and limb mesenchyme, Prx1 protein expression is consistent with previously published data on RNA localization. However, a remarkable discrepancy was found in cardiac tissue. Prx1 protein is undetectable in the murine embryonic and adult heart, despite the presence of Prx1 transcripts. These data demonstrate that Prx1 expression is posttranscriptionally regulated. This discrepancy between the presence of Prx1 transcript and the absence of detectable protein was also observed in embryonic chick heart, suggesting conservation of the regulatory mechanism in vertebrates. This observation provides a new explanation of why the Prx null mice lack cardiac malformations.

Prx1 controls vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and tenascin-C expression and is upregulated with Prx2 in pulmonary vascular disease

Prx1 and Prx2 are homeobox transcription factors expressed during vasculogenesis. To begin to elucidate how Prx1 and Prx2 are regulated and function in the adult vasculature, in situ hybridization studies were performed. Prx1 and Prx2 mRNAs were not detected in normal adult rat pulmonary arteries; however, both genes were induced with vascular disease, colocalizing to sites of tenascin-C (TN-C) expression. Because catabolism of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a critical step in the development of vascular disease, we investigated whether changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC)-ECM interactions regulate Prx1 and Prx2. A10 SMCs cultured on native type I collagen showed low levels of Prx1 and Prx2 mRNA expression, whereas cells cultured on denatured collagen showed higher levels of expression of both genes. At a functional level, transfection of SMCs with a Prx1 expression plasmid significantly increased their growth. Because TN-C also promotes SMC growth and its expression is also upregulated by denatured collagen, we tested and thereafter showed that Prx1 expression significantly enhances TN-C gene promoter activity 20-fold. Similar experiments conducted with truncated Prx1 proteins showed that the N-terminal portion and the homeodomain of Prx1 were necessary to induce the bulk of TN-C promoter activity. These findings support the hypothesis that Prx genes are regulated by changes in SMC adhesion and play key morphoregulatory roles during the development and progression of pulmonary vascular disease in adults.

The identification of Prx1 transcription regulatory domains provides a mechanism for unequal compensation by the Prx1 and Prx2 loci

Transcription regulatory domains of the Prx1a and Prx1b homeoproteins were analyzed in transient transfection assays using artificial promoters as well as an established downstream target promoter (tenascin-c). Activation and repression domains were detected in their common amino end. In the carboxyl end of Prx1a an activation domain and an inhibition/masking region (OAR domain) were detected. The Prx1b isoform, generated by alternative splicing, does not contain these carboxyl activation or inhibition domains. Instead, the data demonstrate that the carboxyl tail of Prx1b contains a potent repressor region. This difference in the carboxyl tail accounts for a 45-fold difference observed in transcription regulatory activity between Prx1a and Prx1b. The data also support the likelihood that this difference between Prx1a and Prx1b is higher in the presence of still undetermined cofactors. DNA binding affinities of Prx1a, Prx1b, and a series of truncation mutants were also examined. The carboxyl tail of Prx1a, which inhibited transcription activation in the transfection assays, also inhibited DNA binding. These differences in biochemical function between Prx1a and Prx1b, as well as the recently described activities of Prx2, provide a mechanism for the unequal compensation between the Prx1 and Prx2 loci.

Muscle specificity encoded by specific serum response factor-binding sites

Serum response factor (SRF) is a MADS box transcription factor that regulates muscle-specific and growth factor-inducible genes by binding the consensus sequence CC(A/T)6GG, known as a CArG box. Because SRF expression is not restricted solely to muscle, its expression alone cannot account for the muscle specificity of some of its target genes. To understand further the role of SRF in muscle-specific transcription, we created transgenic mice harboring lacZ transgenes linked to tandem copies of different CArG boxes with flanking sequences. CArG boxes from the SM22 and skeletal alpha-actin promoters directed highly restricted expression in developing smooth, cardiac, and skeletal muscle cells during early embryogenesis. In contrast, the CArG box and flanking sequences from the c-fos promoter directed expression throughout the embryo, with no preference for muscle cells. Systematic swapping of the core and flanking sequences of the SM22 and c-fos CArG boxes revealed that cell type specificity was dictated in large part by sequences immediately flanking the CArG box core. Sequences that directed widespread embryonic expression bound SRF more strongly than those that directed muscle-restricted expression. We conclude that sequence variations among CArG boxes influence cell type specificity of expression and account, at least in part, for the ability of SRF to distinguish between growth factor-inducible and muscle-specific genes in vivo.

Transcriptional Activation of β-Tropomyosin Mediated by Serum Response Factor and a Novel Barx Homologue, Barx1b, in Smooth Muscle Cells

Tropomyosin (TM) is a regulatory protein of actomyosin system. Muscle type-specific expression of TM isoforms is generated from different genes and by alternative splicing. beta-TM isoforms in chicken skeletal and smooth muscles are encoded by a single gene and transcribed from the same promoter. We previously reported a smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype-dependent change in beta-TM expression (Kashiwada, K., Nishida, W., Hayashi, K., Ozawa, K., Yamanaka, Y., Saga, H., Yamashita, T., Tohyama, M., Shimada, S., Sato, K., and Sobue, K. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 15396-15404), and identified beta-TM as an SMC-differentiation marker. Here, we characterized the transcriptional machinery of the beta-TM gene in SMCs. Promoter and gel mobility shift analyses revealed an obligatory role for serum response factor and its interaction with the CArG box sequence in the SMC-specific transcription of the beta-TM gene in differentiated SMCs. We further isolated a novel homologue of the Barx homeoprotein family, Barx1b, from chicken gizzard. Barx1b was exclusively localized to SMCs of the upper digestive organs and their attached arteries and to craniofacial structures. Serum response factor and Barx1b bound each other directly, coordinately transactivated the beta-TM gene in differentiated SMCs and heterologous cells, and formed a ternary complex with a CArG probe. Taken together, these results suggest that SRF and Barx1b are coordinately involved in the SMC-specific transcription of the beta-TM gene in the upper digestive organs and their attached arteries.

Formation of the middle ear: recent progress on the developmental and molecular mechanisms

The middle ear allows animals to hear while moving in an aerial medium. It is composed of a cavity harbouring a chain of three ossicles that transmit vibrations produced by airborne sound in the tympanic membrane into the inner ear, where they are converted into neural impulses. The middle ear develops in the branchial arches, and this requires sequential interactions between the epithelia and the underlying mesenchyme. Gene-inactivation experiments have identified genes required for the formation of different middle ear components. Some encode for signalling molecules, including Endothelin1 and Fgf8, probable mediators of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Other genes, including Eya1, Prx1, Hoxa1, Hoxa2, Dlx1, Dlx2, Dlx5, and Gsc, are most likely involved in patterning and morphogenetic processes in the neural crest-derived mesenchyme. Mechanisms controlling formation of a functional tympanic membrane are also discussed. Basically, the tympanic ring, which serves as support for the tympanic membrane, directs invagination of the first pharyngeal cleft ectoderm to form the external acoustic meatus (EAM), which provides the outer layer of the membrane. Gsc and Prx1 are essential for tympanic ring development. While invaginating, the EAM controls skeletogenesis in the underlying mesenchyme to form the manubrium of the malleus, the link between the membrane and the middle ear ossicles.

Identification of domains mediating transcription activation, repression, and inhibition in the paired-related homeobox protein, Prx2 (S8)

Despite the growing information concerning the developmental importance of the Prx2 protein, the structural determinants of Prx2 function are poorly understood. To gain insight into the transcription regulatory regions of the Prx2 protein, we generated a series of truncation mutants. Both the Prx2 response element (PRE) and a portion of the tenascin promoter, a downstream target of Prx2, were used as reporters in transient transfection assays. This analysis showed that a conserved domain (PRX), found in both Prx1 and Prx2, activated transcription in NIH 3T3 cells. This PRX domain, as well as other functional regions of Prx2, demonstrated both cell-specific and promoter-dependent transcriptional regulation. A second important region, the OAR (aristaless) domain, which is conserved among 35 Paired-type homeodomain proteins, was observed to inhibit transcription. Deletion of this element resulted in a 20-fold increase of transcription from the tenascin reporter in NIH 3T3 cells but not in C2C12 cells. The OAR domain did not function as a repressor in chimeric fusions with the Gal4 DNA binding domain in either cell type, characterizing it as an inhibitor instead of a repressor. These results give insight into the function of the Prx2 transcription factor while establishing the framework for comparison with the two isoforms of Prx1.

A set of Hox proteins interact with the Maf oncoprotein to inhibit its DNA binding, transactivation, and transforming activities

Maf oncoprotein is a basic-leucine zipper (bZip) type of transcriptional activator. Since many transcription factors are known to form functional complexes, we searched for proteins that interact with the DNA-binding domain of Maf using the phage display method and identified two homeodomain-containing proteins, Hoxd12 and MHox/Prx1/Phox1/Pmx1. Studies with mutants of Hox and Maf proteins showed that they associate through their DNA-binding domains; the homeodomain of Hox and the bZip domain of Maf, respectively. Reflecting the high similarity of the bZip domain, all other Maf family members tested (c-/v-Maf, MafB, MafK, MafF, and MafG) also associated with the Hox proteins. Pax6, whose homeodomain is relatively similar to MHox, also could interact with Maf. However, two other bZip oncoproteins, Fos and Jun, failed to associate with the Hox proteins, while a distantly related Hox family member, Meis1, could not interact with Maf. Through interactions with the bZip domain, the Hox proteins inhibited the DNA binding activity of Maf, whereas the binding of Hox proteins to their recognition sequences was not abrogated by Maf. We further showed that coexpression of the Hox proteins repressed transcriptional activation and transforming activity of Maf. These results suggested that the interaction of a set of Hox proteins with Maf family members may interfere not only with their oncogenicity but also with their physiological roles.

Molecular mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity in smooth muscle cells

Morphological, functional, molecular and cell biology studies have revealed a striking multifunctional nature of individual smooth muscle cells (SMC). SMCs manifest phenotypic plasticity in response to changes in environment and functional requirements, acquiring a range of structural and functional properties bounded by two extremes, called "synthetic" and "contractile." Each phenotypic state is characterized by expression of a unique set of structural, contractile, and receptor proteins and isoforms that correlate with differing patterns of gene expression. Recent studies have identified signaling pathways and transcription factors (e.g., RhoA GTPase/ROCK, also known as Rho kinase, and serum response factor) that regulate the transcriptional activities of genes encoding proteins associated with the contractile apparatus. Mechanical plasticity of contractile-state smooth muscle further extends SMC functional diversity. This may also be regulated, in part, by the RhoA GTPase/ROCK pathway, via reorganization of cytoskeletal and contractile proteins. Future studies that define transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms of SMC plasticity are necessary to fully understand the role of SMC in the pathogenesis and morbidity of human diseases of the airways, vasculature, and gastrointestinal tract.

The smooth muscle gamma-actin gene promoter is a molecular target for the mouse bagpipe homologue, mNkx3-1, and serum response factor

An evolutionarily conserved vertebrate homologue of the Drosophila NK-3 homeodomain gene bagpipe, Nkx3-1, is expressed in vascular and visceral mesoderm-derived muscle tissues and may influence smooth muscle cell differentiation. Nkx3-1 was evaluated for mediating smooth muscle gamma-actin (SMGA) gene activity, a specific marker of smooth muscle differentiation. Expression of mNkx3-1 in heterologous CV-1 fibroblasts was unable to elicit SMGA promoter activity but required the coexpression of serum response factor (SRF) to activate robust SMGA transcription. A novel complex element containing a juxtaposed Nkx-binding site (NKE) and an SRF-binding element (SRE) in the proximal promoter region was found to be necessary for the Nkx3-1/SRF coactivation of SMGA transcription. Furthermore, Nkx3-1 and SRF associate through protein-protein interactions and the homeodomain region of Nkx3-1 facilitated SRF binding to the complex NKE.SRE. Mutagenesis of Nkx3-1 revealed an inhibitory domain within its C-terminal segment. In addition, mNkx3-1/SRF cooperative activity required an intact Nkx3-1 homeodomain along with the MADS box of SRF, which contains DNA binding and dimerization structural domains, and the contiguous C-terminal SRF activation domain. Thus, SMGA is a novel target for Nkx3-1, and the activity of Nkx3-1 on the SMGA promoter is dependent upon SRF.

Tenascin-C in development and disease: gene regulation and cell function

Tenascin-C (TN-C) is a modular and multifunctional extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that is exquisitely regulated during embryonic development and in adult tissue remodeling. TN-C gene transcription is controlled by intracellular signals that are generated by multiple soluble factors, integrins and mechanical forces. These external cues are interpreted by particular DNA control elements that interact with different classes of transcription factors to activate or repress TN-C expression in a cell type- and differentiation-dependent fashion. Among the transcriptional regulators of the TN-C gene that have been identified, the homeobox family of proteins has emerged as a major player. Downstream from TN-C, intracellular signals that are relayed via specific cell surface receptors often impart contrary cellular functions, even within the same cell type. A key to understanding this behavior may lie in the dual ability of TN-C-enriched extracellular matrices to generate intracellular signals, and to define unique cellular morphologies that modulate these signal transduction pathways. Thus, despite the contention that TN-C null mice appear to develop and act normally, TN-C biology continues to provide a wealth of information regarding the complex nature of the ECM in development and disease.

The role of homeobox genes in vascular remodeling and angiogenesis

Homeodomain-containing transcription factors are critical in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, and they play an important role in organogenesis and pattern formation during embryogenesis. There is evidence that some of them are oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The cardiovascular system undergoes extensive remodeling during embryogenesis and disease states such as atherosclerosis and tumor-induced angiogenesis, and homeobox genes may play an important role in regulating these processes. Recently, homeobox genes have been detected in both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and they are implicated in pathological processes such as arterial restenosis after balloon angioplasty and tumor-induced angiogenesis. The cellular function of some of these genes is beginning to be elucidated. Therefore, we briefly review what is currently known about the involvement of homeobox transcription factors in both physiological and pathological vascular remodeling and angiogenesis.

Assembling a functional tympanic membrane: signals from the external acoustic meatus coordinate development of the malleal manubrium

In terrestrial mammals, hearing starts with the perception of acoustic pressure by the tympanic membrane. Vibrations in this membrane are then transduced into the inner ear by the ossicle chain of the middle ear, composed of the malleus, incus and stapes. The proper connection of the ossicle chain with the tympanic membrane, provided by the insertion of the manubrium of the malleus into the eardrum, is essential for the functionality of the hearing apparatus. We describe here the mechanisms regulating the development of the manubrium and its integration into the tympanic membrane. We show that the external acoustic meatus (EAM), which eventually forms the outer epithelium of the tympanic membrane, plays an essential role in this developmental process. Histological and expression analyses indicate that the manubrium develops close to the EAM with a similar temporal sequence. In addition, when the middle ear ossicles are allowed to develop in vitro under conditions that do not support further EAM development, the manubrium develops only up to the stage of its induction at the time of explantation. Moreover, genetically or teratogenically derived alterations in the EAM also have an effect on manubrial development. Finally, we show that the EAM is the source of two quite opposite activities, one that induces chondrogenesis and another that represses it. The combination of these two activities results in the proper positioning of the manubrium.

Analysis of muscle creatine kinase regulatory elements in recombinant adenoviral vectors

Adenoviral gene transfer holds promise for gene therapy, but effective transduction of a large and distributed tissue such as muscle will almost certainly require systemic delivery. In this context, the use of muscle-specific regulatory elements such as the muscle creatine kinase (MCK) promoter and enhancer will avoid potentially harmful ectopic expression of transgenes. We describe here the development and testing of adenoviral vectors containing small, striated muscle-specific, highly active MCK expression cassettes. One of these regulatory elements (CK6) is less than 600 bp in length and is 12% as active as the CMV promoter/enhancer in muscle. A recombinant adenoviral vector containing this regulatory element retains very high muscle specificity, expressing 600-fold higher levels of transgene in muscle than in liver. Muscle-specific regulatory elements may also increase persistence of transduced muscle cells. Adenoviral transduction of dendritic cells has been shown to stimulate cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses directed against transgene epitopes. We show that human dendritic cells infected in vitro with MCK-containing adenoviruses do not express significant levels of transgene. Furthermore, while adenoviral vectors containing nonspecific promoters are normally cleared from muscle tissue within 1 month, we show that MCK-containing vectors express significant levels of transgene 4 months after intramuscular injection.

The tenascin family of ECM glycoproteins: structure, function, and regulation during embryonic development and tissue remodeling

The determination of animal form depends on the coordination of events that lead to the morphological patterning of cells. This epigenetic view of development suggests that embryonic structures arise as a consequence of environmental influences acting on the properties of cells, rather than an unfolding of a completely genetically specified and preexisting invisible pattern. Specialized cells of developing multicellular organisms are surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix (ECM), comprised largely of different collagens, proteoglycans, and glycoproteins. This ECM is a substrate for tissue morphogenesis, lends support and flexibility to mature tissues, and acts as an epigenetic informational entity in the sense that it transduces and integrates intracellular signals via distinct cell surface receptors. Consequently, ECM-receptor interactions have a profound influence on major cellular programs including growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. In contrast to many other ECM proteins, the tenascin (TN) family of glycoproteins (TN-C, TN-R, TN-W, TN-X, and TN-Y) display highly restricted and dynamic patterns of expression in the embryo, particularly during neural development, skeletogenesis, and vasculogenesis. These molecules are reexpressed in the adult during normal processes such as wound healing, nerve regeneration, and tissue involution, and in pathological states including vascular disease, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. In concert with a multitude of associated ECM proteins and cell surface receptors that include members of the integrin family, TN proteins impart contrary cellular functions, depending on their mode of presentation (i.e., soluble or substrate-bound) and the cell types and differentiation states of the target tissues. Expression of tenascins is regulated by a variety of growth factors, cytokines, vasoactive peptides, ECM proteins, and biomechanical factors. The signals generated by these factors converge on particular combinations of cis-regulatory elements within the recently identified TN gene promoters via specific transcriptional activators or repressors. Additional complexity in regulating TN gene expression is achieved through alternative splicing, resulting in variants of TN polypeptides that exhibit different combinations of functional protein domains. In this review, we discuss some of the recent advances in TN biology that provide insights into the complex way in which the ECM is regulated and how it functions to regulate tissue morphogenesis and gene expression.

The bHLH transcription factor dHAND controls Sonic hedgehog expression and establishment of the zone of polarizing activity during limb development

Limb outgrowth and patterning of skeletal elements are dependent on complex tissue interactions involving the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) in the posterior region of the limb bud and the apical ectodermal ridge. The peptide morphogen Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is expressed specifically in the ZPA and, when expressed ectopically, is sufficient to mimic its functions, inducing tissue growth and formation of posterior skeletal elements. We show that the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor dHAND is expressed posteriorly in the developing limb prior to Shh and subsequently occupies a broad domain that encompasses the Shh expression domain. In mouse embryos homozygous for a dHAND null allele, limb buds are severely underdeveloped and Shh is not expressed. Conversely, misexpression of dHAND in the anterior region of the limb bud of transgenic mice results in formation of an additional ZPA, revealed by ectopic expression of Shh and its target genes, and resulting limb abnormalities that include preaxial polydactyly with duplication of posterior skeletal elements. Analysis of mouse mutants in which Hedgehog expression is altered also revealed a feedback mechanism in which Hedgehog signaling is required to maintain the full dHAND expression domain in the developing limb. Together, these findings identify dHAND as an upstream activator of Shh expression and important transcriptional regulator of limb development.

The expression of the homeobox gene Msx1 reveals two populations of dermal progenitor cells originating from the somites

Experimental manipulation in birds has shown that trunk dermis has a double origin: dorsally, it derives from the somite dermomyotome, while ventrally, it is formed by the somatopleure. Taking advantage of an nlacZ reporter gene integrated into the mouse Msx1 locus (Msx1(nlacZ) allele), we detected segmental expression of the Msx1 gene in cells of the dorsal mesenchyme of the trunk between embryonic days 11 and 14. Replacing somites from a chick host embryo by murine Msx1(nlacZ)somites allowed us to demonstrate that these Msx1-(beta)-galactosidase positive cells are of somitic origin. We propose that these cells are dermal progenitor cells that migrate from the somites and subsequently contribute to the dorsalmost dermis. By analysing Msx1(nlacZ) expression in a Splotch mutant, we observed that migration of these cells does not depend on Pax3, in contrast to other migratory populations such as limb muscle progenitor cells and neural crest cells. Msx1 expression was never detected in cells overlying the dermomyotome, although these cells are also of somitic origin. Therefore, we propose that two somite-derived populations of dermis progenitor cells can be distinguished. Cells expressing the Msx1 gene would migrate from the somite and contribute to the dermis of the dorsalmost trunk region. A second population of cells would disaggregate from the somite and contribute to the dermis overlying the dermomyotome. This population never expresses Msx1. Msx1 expression was investigated in the context of the onset of dermis formation monitored by the Dermo1 gene expression. The gene is downregulated prior to the onset of dermis differentiation, suggesting a role for Msx1 in the control of this process.

HOXB7 overexpression promotes differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells to smooth muscle cells

The presence of immature smooth muscle cells and ectopic tissues such as fully-formed bone in atherosclerotic lesions, may result from recapitulation of embryonic mechanisms in the artery wall. We hypothesized that expression of homeobox genes is triggered in atherogenesis and that these regulate proliferation and differentiation of multipotential progenitor cells along one or more specific lineages. We identified expression of the homeobox gene HOXB7 in clones of bovine aortic medial cells previously shown to be multipotent. HOXB7 was subsequently detected in human atherosclerotic plaques by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Expression was localized to areas adjacent to calcification and scattered in media and neointima, which may be reflective of a role in either osteoblastic or smooth muscle cell differentiation. To differentiate between these possibilities, we overexpressed HOXB7 in C3H10T1/2 cells, a multipotent cell line able to differentiate into vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), as well as osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Results showed that overexpression of HOXB7 increased proliferation 3.5-fold, and induced an SMC-like cell morphology. In addition, expression of the early SMC markers calponin and SM22alpha increased 4-fold and 3-fold respectively by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Expression of the intermediate SMC marker smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC) did not change. No increase in osteogenic or chondrogenic differentiation was detected, neither in the C3H10T1/2 cells nor in M2 cells, a bone marrow stromal cell line used to confirm this result. These findings suggest that HOXB7 plays a role in expansion of immature cell populations or dedifferentiation of mature cells.

Identification and characterization of Psx-2, a novel member of the Psx (placenta-specific homeobox) family

Psx (now designated as Psx-1) is a murine placenta-specific homeobox gene. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a second mouse Psx gene (Psx-2). Although 29bp were absent towards the 3' end of Psx-2, Psx-2 and Psx-1 cDNA had identical 5' and 3' ends. Overall sequence identity between the two cDNAs was 91% at the nucleotide level and 81% at the amino acid level. Both Psx proteins contain 227 amino acids. These results suggest that they arose through a recent gene duplication. A surprising finding is that the 81% sequence identity between Psx-1 and Psx-2 proteins drops at the level of homeodomain to 78%. Further, the amino acid at position 51, which is invariably an asparagine in other homeodomains and is known to contact DNA directly, is a methionine in the homeodomains of both Psx-1 and Psx-2. This suggests that Psx proteins may interact with DNA sequences differently to those bound by other homeodomains. Southern blot analysis indicated that the two Psx genes occur on separate loci in the mouse genome. The Psx-2 gene spans approx. 2. 6kb of mouse genome, and contains four exons and three introns.

Signaling pathways crucial for craniofacial development revealed by endothelin-A receptor-deficient mice

Most of the bone and cartilage in the craniofacial region is derived from cephalic neural crest cells, which undergo three primary developmental events: migration from the rhombomeric neuroectoderm to the pharyngeal arches, proliferation as the ectomesenchyme within the arches, and differentiation into terminal structures. Interactions between the ectomesenchymal cells and surrounding cells are required in these processes, in which defects can lead to craniofacial malformation. We have previously shown that the G-protein-coupled endothelin-A receptor (ET(A)) is expressed in the neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme, whereas the cognate ligand for ET(A), endothelin-1 (ET-1), is expressed in arch epithelium and the paraxial mesoderm-derived arch core; absence of either ET(A) or ET-1 results in numerous craniofacial defects. In this study we have attempted to define the point at which cephalic neural crest development is disrupted in ET(A)-deficient embryos. We find that, while neural crest cell migration in the head of ET(A)(-/-) embryos appears normal, expression of a number of transcription factors in the arch ectomesenchymal cells is either absent or significantly reduced. These ET(A)-dependent factors include the transcription factors goosecoid, Dlx-2, Dlx-3, dHAND, eHAND, and Barx1, but not MHox, Hoxa-2, CRABP1, or Ufd1. In addition, the size of the arches in E10.5 to E11.5 ET(A)(-/-) embryos is smaller and an increase in ectomesenchymal apoptosis is observed. Thus, ET(A) signaling in ectomesenchymal cells appears to coordinate specific aspects of arch development by inducing expression of transcription factors in the postmigratory ectomesenchyme. Absence of these signals results in retarded arch growth, defects in proper differentiation, and, in some mesenchymal cells, apoptosis. In particular, this developmental pathway appears distinct from the pathway that includes UFD1L, implicated as a causative gene in CATCH 22 patients, and suggests parallel complementary pathways mediating craniofacial development.

cDNA microarrays detect activation of a myogenic transcription program by the PAX3-FKHR fusion oncogene

Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is an aggressive pediatric cancer of striated muscle characterized in 60% of cases by a t(2;13)(q35;q14). This results in the fusion of PAX3, a developmental transcription factor required for limb myogenesis, with FKHR, a member of the forkhead family of transcription factors. The resultant PAX3-FKHR gene possesses transforming properties; however, the effects of this chimeric oncogene on gene expression are largely unknown. To investigate the actions of these transcription factors, both Pax3 and PAX3-FKHR were introduced into NIH 3T3 cells, and the resultant gene expression changes were analyzed with a murine cDNA microarray containing 2,225 elements. We found that PAX3-FKHR but not PAX3 activated a myogenic transcription program including the induction of transcription factors MyoD, Myogenin, Six1, and Slug as well as a battery of genes involved in several aspects of muscle function. Notable among this group were the growth factor gene Igf2 and its binding protein Igfbp5. Relevance of this model was suggested by verification that three of these genes (IGFBP5, HSIX1, and Slug) were also expressed in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. This study utilizes cDNA microarrays to elucidate the pattern of gene expression induced by an oncogenic transcription factor and demonstrates the profound myogenic properties of PAX3-FKHR in NIH 3T3 cells.

Similarities and differences in smooth muscle alpha-actin induction by TGF-beta in smooth muscle versus non-smooth muscle cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to stimulate smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin expression in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and non-SMCs. We previously demonstrated that the 2 CArG boxes A and B and a novel TGF-beta control element (TCE) located within the first 125 bp of the SM alpha-actin promoter were required for TGF-beta inducibility of SM alpha-actin in SMCs. The aims of the present study were (1) to determine whether the TCE exhibits SMC specificity or contributes to TGF-beta induction of SM alpha-actin expression in non-SMCs (ie, endothelial cells and fibroblasts) and (2) to determine whether TGF-beta can induce expression of multiple TCE-containing SMC differentiation marker genes, such as SM22alpha, h(1) calponin, and SM myosin heavy chain (SM MHC) in non-SMCs. Results of transient transfection assays demonstrated that mutation of CArG A, CArG B, or the TCE within a 125-bp promoter context completely abolished TGF-beta inducibility of SM alpha-actin in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. However, in contrast to observations in SMCs, inclusion of regions upstream from (-155) completely repressed TGF-beta responsiveness in non-SMCs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that TGF-beta enhanced binding of a serum response factor to the CArG elements and the binding of an as-yet-unidentified factor to the TCE in endothelial cells and fibroblasts, but to a much lesser extent compared with SMCs. TGF-beta also stimulated expression of the SMC differentiation marker SM22alpha in non-SMCs. However, in contrast to SMCs, TGF-beta did not induce expression of h(1) calponin and SM MHC in non-SMCs. In summary, these results suggest a conserved role for CArG A, CArG B, and the TCE in TGF-beta-induced expression of SM alpha-actin in SMCs and non-SMCs that is modified by a complex interplay of positive- and negative-acting cis elements in a cell-specific manner. Furthermore, observations that TGF-beta stimulated expression of several early but not late differentiation markers in non-SMCs indicate that TGF-beta alone is not sufficient to induce transdifferentiation of non-SMCs into SMCs.

NUP98 Is Fused to PMX1 Homeobox Gene in Human Acute Myelogenous Leukemia With Chromosome Translocation t(1;11)(q23;p15)

The nucleoporin gene NUP98 was found fused to theHOXA9, HOXD13, or DDX10 genes in human acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with chromosome translocations t(7;11)(p15;p15), t(2;11)(q35;p15), or inv(11)(p15;q22), respectively. We report here the fusion between the NUP98 gene and another homeobox gene PMX1 in a case of human AML with a t(1;11)(q23;p15) translocation. The chimeric NUP98-PMX1transcript was detected; however, there was no reciprocalPMX1-NUP98 fusion transcript. Like the NUP98-HOXA9fusion, NUP98 and PMX1 were fused in frame and the N-terminal GLFG-rich docking region of the NUP98 and the PMX1 homeodomain were conserved in the NUP98-PMX1 fusion, suggesting that PMX1 homeodomain expression is upregulated and that the fusion protein may act as an oncogenic transcription factor. The fusion to NUP98 results in the addition of the strong transcriptional activation domain located in the N-terminal region of NUP98 to PMX1. These findings suggest that constitutive expression and alteration of the transcriptional activity of the PMX1 homeodomain protein may be critical for myeloid leukemogenesis.

prx-1 functions cooperatively with another paired-related homeobox gene, prx-2, to maintain cell fates within the craniofacial mesenchyme

The paired-related homeobox gene, prx-1, is expressed in the postmigratory cranial mesenchyme of all facial prominences and is required for the formation of proximal first arch derivatives. We introduced lacZ into the prx-1 locus to study the developmental fate of cells destined to express prx-1 in the prx-1 mutant background. lacZ was normally expressed in prx-1(neo); prx-1(lacZ)mutant craniofacial mesenchyme up until 11.5 d.p.c. At later time points, lacZ expression was lost from structures that are defective in the prx-1(neo) mutant mice. A related gene, prx-2, demonstrated overlapping expression with prx-1. To test the idea that prx-1 and prx-2 perform redundant functions, we generated prx-1(neo;)prx-2 compound mutant mice. Double mutant mice had novel phenotypes in which the rostral aspect of the mandible was defective, the mandibular incisor arrested as a single, bud-stage tooth germ and Meckel's cartilage was absent. Expression of two markers for tooth development, pax9 and patched, were downregulated. Using a transgene that marks a subset of prx-1-expressing cells in the craniofacial mesenchyme, we showed that cells within the hyoid arch take on the properties of the first branchial arch. These data suggest that prx-1 and prx-2 coordinately regulate gene expression in cells that contribute to the distal aspects of the mandibular arch mesenchyme and that prx-1 and prx-2 play a role in the maintenance of cell fate within the craniofacial mesenchyme.

Physical and genetic interactions between Alx4 and Cart1

Alx4 and Cart1 are closely related members of the family of transcription factors that contain the paired-type homeodomain. In contrast to other types of homeodomains, the paired-type homeodomain has been shown to mediate high-affinity sequence-specific DNA binding to palindromic elements as either homodimers or as heterodimers with other family members. Alx4 and Cart1 are co-expressed at several sites during development, including the craniofacial mesenchyme, the mesenchymal derivatives of neural crest cells in the first branchial arch and the limb bud mesenchyme. Because of the molecular similarity and overlapping expression pattern, we have analyzed the functional and genetic relationships between Alx4 and Cart1. The two proteins have similar DNA-binding activity in vitro and can form DNA-binding heterodimers; furthermore, they activate transcription of reporter genes that contain high-affinity DNA-binding sites in cell culture in a similar manner. Therefore, at least by these criteria, the two proteins are functionally redundant. Analysis of double mutant animals reveals several genetic interactions. First, mutation of Cart1 exacerbates Alx4-dependent polydactyly in a manner that is dependent on gene dosage. Second, there are complex genetic interactions in the craniofacial region that reveal a role for both genes in the fusion of the nasal cartilages and proper patterning of the mandible, as well as other craniofacial structures. Third, double mutant mice show a split sternum that is not detected in mice with any other genotype. Interpreted in the context of the biochemical characterization, the genetic analysis suggests that Alx4 and Cart1 are indeed functionally redundant, and reveal both unique and redundant functions for these genes in development.

Paired-related homeobox genes cooperate in handplate and hindlimb zeugopod morphogenesis

The closely related homeobox genes prx-1 and prx-2 are expressed in lateral plate and limb bud mesoderm, but targeted inactivation of these genes failed to demonstrate a limb phenotype. Here we report that mice carrying compound mutations in prx-1 and prx-2 have severe limb deformities. In the forelimb autopod, pre- and postaxial polydactyly were found most commonly, but also syndactyly, oligodactyly, and abnormal digit placement affecting posterior elements were observed. In the hindlimb, preaxial polydactyly with variable expressivity was seen in all cases. Extreme distal digit duplications were seen in both the fore- and hindlimbs. prx-1; prx-2 double-mutant mice also displayed extreme shortening and impaired ossification of the hindlimb zeugopods. Integrity of the forelimb apical ectodermal ridge was abnormal as determined by expression of FGF8 and BMP4. Expression of msx-1 and msx-2, markers for BMP signaling pathways, was absent in regions of the posterior handplates, while expression of Shh and patched was unaffected. The mutant phenotypes were dosage dependent, since prx-1 -/-; prx-2 +/- mice also displayed severe limb abnormalities. These data suggest that prx-1 and prx-2 cooperatively regulate handplate and hindlimb zeugopod morphogenesis through BMP-mediated signaling pathways.

Transcriptional regulation of smooth muscle contractile apparatus expression

The transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression during differentiation and contractile protein accumulation are becoming well understood in skeletal and cardiac muscle lineages. Current understanding of smooth muscle-specific gene transcription is much more limited, though recent studies have begun to shed light on this topic. In this review, we summarize some of the themes emerging from these studies and identify transcriptional regulatory elements common to several smooth muscle genes. These include potential binding sites for serum response factor, Sp1, AP2, Mhox, and YY1, as well as a potential transforming growth factor-beta control element. We speculate that it may be possible to manipulate smooth muscle-specific gene expression in asthma or pulmonary arterial hypertension as an eventual therapy.

Expression of rat homeobox gene, rHOX, in developing and adult tissues in mice and regulation of its mRNA expression in osteoblasts by bone morphogenetic protein 2 and parathyroid hormone-related protein

The rat homeobox gene, rHox, was cloned from a rat osteosarcoma cDNA library. Southwestern and gel mobility shift analyses showed that rHox binds to the promoter regions of collagen (alpha1)I and osteocalcin genes while transient transfection with rHox resulted in repression of their respective promoter activities. In situ hybridization studies showed that rHox mRNA was widely expressed in osteoblasts, chondrocytes, skeletal muscle, skin epidermis, and bronchial and intestinal epithelial cells, as well as cardiac muscle in embryonic and newborn mice. However in 3-month-old mice, rHox mRNA expression was restricted to osteoblasts, megakaryocytes, and myocardium. Bone morphogenetic protein 2, a growth factor that commits mesenchymal progenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, down-regulated rHox mRNA expression by 40-50% in UMR 201, a rat preosteoblast cell line, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, PTH-related protein (PTHrP), recently shown to be a negative regulator of chondrocyte differentiation, significantly enhanced rHox mRNA expression in UMR 106-06 osteoblastic cells by 3-fold at 24 h while at the same time down-regulating expression of pro-alpha1(I) collagen mRNA by 60%. Expression of rHox mRNA in calvarial osteoblasts derived from PTHrP -/- mice was approximately 15% of that observed in similar cells obtained from normal mice. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that rHox acts as a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, down-regulation of rHox mRNA by bone morphogenetic protein 2 and its up-regulation by PTHrP support a role of the homeodomain protein, rHox, in osteoblast differentiation.

Alx-4, a transcriptional activator whose expression is restricted to sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions

We have recently demonstrated that the retinoblastoma family of negative cell cycle regulators can form complexes with a class of developmental factors which contain paired-like (PL) homeodomains (Wiggan et al. [1998] Oncogene 16:227-236). Our screens led to the isolation of a novel PL-homeodomain protein which had been isolated independently by another group and called Alx-4 (Qu et al. [1997] Development 124:3999-4008). Mice homozygous for a targeted null mutation of Alx-4 have several abnormalities, including preaxial polydactyly, suggesting that Alx-4 plays a role in pattern formation in limb buds. In data that we present here, we show that Alx-4 is expressed in mesenchymal condensations of a diverse group of tissues whose development is dependent on epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, many of which are additionally dependent on expression of the HMG-box-containing protein, LEF-1. Alx-4-expressing tissues include osteoblast precursors of most bones, the dermal papilla of hair and whisker follicles, the dental papilla of teeth, and a subset of mesenchymal cells in pubescent mammary glands. We show further that Alx-4 strongly activates transcription from a promoter containing the homeodomain binding site, P2. Optimal activation requires specific sequences in the N-terminal portion of Alx-4 as well as a proline-rich region downstream of the PL-homeodomain, but not the paired-tail at the C terminus. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Alx-4 is a potent transcriptional activator that is expressed at sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during murine embryonic development.

Prx1 and Prx2 in skeletogenesis: roles in the craniofacial region, inner ear and limbs

Prx1 and Prx2 are closely related paired-class homeobox genes that are expressed in very similar patterns predominantly in mesenchyme. Prx1 loss-of-function mutants show skeletal defects in skull, limbs and vertebral column (Martin, J. F., Bradley, A. and Olson, E. N. (1995) Genes Dev. 9, 1237–1249). We report here that mice in which Prx2 is inactivated by a lacZ insertion had no skeletal defects, whereas Prx1/Prx2 double mutants showed many novel abnormalities in addition to an aggravation of the Prx1 single mutant phenotype. We found defects in external, middle and inner ear, reduction or loss of skull bones, a reduced and sometimes cleft mandible, and limb abnormalities including postaxial polydactyly and bent zeugopods. A single, or no incisor was present in the lower jaw, and ectopic expression of Fgf8 and Pax9 was found medially in the mandibular arch. A novel method to detect β-galactosidase activity in hydroxyethylmethacrylate sections allowed detailed analysis of Prx2 expression in affected structures. Our results suggest a role for Prx genes in mediating epitheliomesenchymal interactions in inner ear and lower jaw. In addition, Prx1 and Prx2 are involved in interactions between perichondrium and chondrocytes that regulate their proliferation or differentiation in the bones of the zeugopods.

Patterns of paired-related homeobox genes PRX1 and PRX2 suggest involvement in matrix modulation in the developing chick vascular system

PRX1 (MHox) and PRX2 (S8) were previously shown to be expressed throughout embryogenesis in complex, mostly mesenchyme-specific patterns. In the developing cardiovascular system both genes were highly expressed in prospective connective tissues, that is, endocardial cushions and valves, the epicardium, and the wall of the great arteries and veins. We further scrutinised expression of PRX1 and PRX2 in the developing vascular system of the chicken embryo and compared patterns with those of established vascular differentiation markers (muscle-actin, procollagen I, and fibrillin-2). PRX1 and PRX2 expression were associated with the primary vessel wall from early stages onward and became increasingly restricted to the adventitial and outer medial cell layers. PRX1 eventually colocalised strikingly with procollagen I and fibrillin-2 expression and generally excluded high smooth muscle actin expression. Furthermore, PRX1 expression preceded the segregation of very distinct nonmuscular cells and smooth muscle cells in the media of the great arteries. PRX2 patterns deviated at later stages from those of PRX1 and showed specific and high transcript levels in the ductus arteriosus from embryonic day 6 onward. Results suggest that PRX genes are not essential in smooth muscle contractile differentiation, but may be involved in matrix modulation in the vascular system and possibly in defining the noncontractile cellular phenotype and in media-adventitia definition.

Homeobox genes in cardiovascular development

As summarized earlier, a surprisingly large number of different homeobox genes are expressed in the developing heart. Some are clearly important, as demonstrated by mouse gene ablation studies. For example, knockout of Nkx2-5 or Hoxa-3 function is embryonic lethal due to defects in cardiovascular development. However, gene ablation studies indicate that other homeobox genes that show cardiovascular expression are either not required for heart development or their function is effectively complemented by a redundant gene activity. Given the number of closely related homeobox genes that are expressed in the heart (and the rate at which new genes are being discovered), this is very likely to be the case for at least some homeobox gene activities. At present little is known of the precise mechanism of action of homeobox genes in embryonic development. This statement applies to homeobox genes in general, not just to genes involved in cardiovascular development. There is a popular view that homeobox genes are master regulators that control expression of a large number of downstream genes. In at least some cases, e.g., the eyeless gene of Drosophila (Holder et al., 1995), homeobox genes appear to be capable of activating and maintaining a very complex developmental program. Significantly, the eyeless gene is able to initiate eye development at numerous ectopic locations. Increasing evidence, however, suggests that genes of this type may be rather rare. Certainly there is no evidence to date that any of the homeobox genes expressed in the heart are able to initiate the complete heart development pathway. This is probably best understood in the case of the tinman gene in Drosophila, which, although absolutely required for heart development, is not capable of initiating the cardiac development pathway in ectopic locations (Bodmer, 1993). This conclusion is supported by studies of the vertebrate tinman-related gene Nkx2-5. Gene ablation studies show that Nkx2-5 is essential for correct cardiac development (Lyons et al., 1995) but is not able to initiate the regulatory pathway leading to cardiac development when expressed ectopically (Cleaver et al., 1996; Chen and Fishman, 1996). If most homeodomain proteins are not direct regulators of a differentiation pathway, what is their role during organogenesis? The cardiovascular homeobox gene about which most is known at the mechanistic level is gax (Smith et al., 1997). A number of experiments indicate that the Gax protein is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and that it interacts with components of the cell cycle regulation machinery. Indeed, over recent years, the idea that at least some homeobox genes play their role in organogenesis through regulation of proliferation has been developed in some detail by Duboule (1995). Further evidence that this mechanism of homeobox activity is important, especially during organogenesis, comes from studies of the Hox11 homeobox gene, which is absolutely required for development of the spleen in mouse (Roberts et al., 1994). Studies indicate that Hox11 is able to interact with at least two different protein phosphatases, PP2A and PP1, which in turn, are involved in cell cycle regulation (Kawabe et al., 1997). It is quite clear that research in future years will need to focus on the precise mode of action of the different homeodomain proteins if we are to understand their role in the development of the cardiovascular system.

Hoxa-2 restricts the chondrogenic domain and inhibits bone formation during development of the branchial area

In Hoxa-2(−/−)embryos, the normal skeletal elements of the second branchial arch are replaced by a duplicated set of first arch elements. We show here that Hoxa-2 directs proper skeletal formation in the second arch by preventing chondrogenesis and intramembranous ossification. In normal embryos, Hoxa-2 is expressed throughout the second arch mesenchyme, but is excluded from the chondrogenic condensations. In the absence of Hoxa-2, chondrogenesis is activated ectopically within the rostral Hoxa-2 expression domain to form the mutant set of cartilages. In Hoxa-2(−/−)embryos the Sox9 expression domain is shifted into the normal Hoxa-2 domain. Misexpression of Sox9 in this area produces a phenotype resembling that of the Hoxa-2 mutants. These results indicate that Hoxa-2 acts at early stages of the chondrogenic pathway, upstream of Sox9 induction. We also show that Hoxa-2 inhibits dermal bone formation when misexpressed in its precursors. Furthermore, molecular analyses indicate that Cbfa1 is upregulated in the second branchial arches of Hoxa-2 mutant embryos suggesting that prevention of Cbfa1 induction might mediate Hoxa-2 inhibition of dermal bone formation during normal second arch development. The implications of these results on the patterning of the branchial area are discussed.

Mouse Alx3: an aristaless-like homeobox gene expressed during embryogenesis in ectomesenchyme and lateral plate mesoderm

Mouse Alx3 is a homeobox gene that is related to the Drosophila aristaless gene and to a group of vertebrate genes including Prx1, Prx2, Cart1, and Alx4. The protein encoded contains a diverged variant of a conserved peptide sequence present near the carboxyl terminus of at least 15 different paired-class-homeodomain proteins. Alx3 is expressed in mouse embryos from 8 days of gestation onward in a characteristic pattern, predominantly in neural crest-derived mesenchyme and in lateral plate mesoderm. We detected prominent expression in frontonasal head mesenchyme and in the first and second pharyngeal arches and some of their derivatives. High expression was also seen in the tail and in many derivatives of the lateral plate mesoderm including the limbs, the body wall, and the genital tubercle. aristaless-related genes like Alx3, Cart1, and Prx2 are expressed in overlapping proximodistal patterns in the pharyngeal arches. Similar, but more lateral patterns have been described for the Distal-less-related (Dlx) genes. Intriguingly, expression and to some extent function of aristaless and Distal-less in Drosophila also have overlapping as well as complementary aspects. Alx3 was localized to chromosome 3, near the droopy-ear (de) mutation.

Signalling interactions during facial development

The development of the vertebrate face is a dynamic multi-step process which starts with the formation of neural crest cells in the developing brain and their subsequent migration to form, together with mesodermal cells, the facial primordia. Signalling interactions co-ordinate the outgrowth of the facial primordia from buds of undifferentiated mesenchyme into the intricate series of bones and cartilage structures that, together with muscle and other tissues, form the adult face. Some of the molecules that are thought to be involved have been identified through the use of mouse mutants, data from human craniofacial syndromes and by expression studies of signalling molecules during facial development. However, the way that these molecules control the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions which mediate facial outgrowth and morphogenesis is unclear. The role of neural crest cells in these processes has also not yet been well defined. In this review we discuss the complex interaction of all these processes during face development and describe the candidate signalling molecules and their possible target genes.

MEF-2 and Oct-1 bind to two homologous promoter sequence elements and participate in the expression of a skeletal muscle-specific gene

The murine adult IIB myosin heavy chain (IIB MyHC) gene is expressed only in certain skeletal muscle fibers. Within the proximal promoter are two A + T-rich motifs, mAT1 and mAT2, which greatly enhance muscle-specific transcription; myogenic cells contain proteins that bind to these sequences. MEF-2 binds to both mAT1 and mAT2; a mutation abolishing its binding to mAT1 greatly diminishes the activity of the promoter. Both mAT motifs also form complexes with a protein requiring a target sequence typical of POU domain proteins, which migrate in electrophoretic mobility shift assays to the same position as a complex containing purified Oct-1 and which are supershifted by an antibody specific to Oct-1; this protein is therefore probably Oct-1. Footprinting experiments demonstrate that mAT1 is preferentially occupied by MEF-2 and mAT2 by Oct-1 and that these two proteins appear to bind cooperatively to their respective sites. Although the two mAT motifs have sequences that are very similar, they nonetheless exhibit distinct behaviors and perform differently in the activation of the promoter. The contribution of the IIB MyHC gene to specification of the myogenic phenotype is thus at least in part regulated by MEF-2 and Oct-1.

Substitution of the degenerate smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin CC(A/T-rich)6GG elements with c-fos serum response elements results in increased basal expression but relaxed SM cell specificity and reduced angiotensin II inducibility

We have previously demonstrated that both CC(A/T-rich)6GG (CArG) elements A and B of the smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin promoter are required for smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific expression and angiotensin II (AII)-induced stimulation. Moreover, results provided evidence that AII responsiveness of SM alpha-actin was at least partially dependent on modulation of serum response factor (SRF) binding to the SM alpha-actin CArGs by the homeodomain containing protein, MHox. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether the degeneracy of the SM alpha-actin CArGs (both contain a Gua or Cyt substitution in their A/T-rich center) and their reduced SRF binding activity as compared with c-fos serum response element (SRE) is important for conferring cell type-specific expression and AII responsiveness. Transient transfection assays using SM alpha-actin reporter gene constructs in which the endogenous SM alpha-actin CArGs were replaced by c-fos SREs demonstrated the following: 1) relaxation of cell-specific expression, 2) a 50% reduction in AII responsiveness, and 3) reduced ability to be transactivated by MHox. In addition, we also showed that the position of the SM alpha-actin CArGs was important in that interchanging them abolished both basal and AII-induced activities. Taken together, these results suggest that the reduced SRF binding activities of the SM alpha-actin CArGs and CArG positional context contribute to SMC-specific expression of SM alpha-actin as well as maximal AII responsiveness.

A novel site, Mt, in the human desmin enhancer is necessary for maximal expression in skeletal muscle

Previous investigations have shown that expression of the muscle-specific intermediate filament desmin gene in skeletal muscle is controlled in part by a 5' muscle-specific enhancer. This enhancer activity can be divided into myoblast-specific and myotube-specific activation domains. The myotube-specific region contains a MyoD and MEF2 sites, whereas the myoblast-specific region contains Sp1, Krox, and Mb sites. In the present study, we designed mutations in the conserved portion of the myotube-specific region; transfection analysis of these mutations showed that a novel site located between the MyoD and MEF2 sites, named Mt (GGTATTT), is required for full transcriptional activity of the desmin enhancer in skeletal muscle. Although gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that myotube, myoblast, fibroblast, and HeLa nuclear extracts contain a nuclear factor that binds specifically to Mt, four copies of the Mt site function as the native enhancer only in myotubes. Functional synergism among the MyoD, MEF2, and Mt sites in myotubes has been demonstrated. These results show that the novel Mt site cooperates with MyoD and MEF2 to give maximal expression of the desmin gene.