Abstract
The Lef/Tcf factor Tcf3 is expressed throughout the developing vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), but its function and transcriptional targets are uncharacterized. Tcf3 is thought to mediate canonical Wnt signaling, which functions in CNS patterning, proliferation and neurogenesis. In this study, we examine Tcf3 function in the zebrafish spinal cord, and find that this factor does not play a general role in patterning, but is required for the proper expression of Dbx genes in intermediate progenitors. In addition, we show that Tcf3 is required to inhibit premature neurogenesis in spinal progenitors by repressing sox4a, a known mediator of spinal neurogenesis. Both of these functions are mediated by Tcf3 independently of canonical Wnt signaling. Together, our data indicate a novel mechanism for the regulation of neurogenesis by Tcf3-mediated repression.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Animals, Genetically Modified
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Base Sequence
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Body Patterning / genetics
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Body Patterning / physiology
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Cell Proliferation
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DNA Primers / genetics
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Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
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Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Mutation
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Neurogenesis / genetics
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Neurogenesis / physiology*
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Neurons / cytology
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Neurons / metabolism
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SOXC Transcription Factors / genetics
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SOXC Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Signal Transduction
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Spinal Cord / cytology
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Spinal Cord / embryology*
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Spinal Cord / metabolism*
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TCF Transcription Factors / genetics
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TCF Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Transcription Factor 7-Like 1 Protein
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Zebrafish / embryology*
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Zebrafish / genetics
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Zebrafish / metabolism*
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Zygote / metabolism
Substances
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DNA Primers
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SOXC Transcription Factors
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TCF Transcription Factors
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Transcription Factor 7-Like 1 Protein