Beta-catenin regulates Cripto- and Wnt3-dependent gene expression programs in mouse axis and mesoderm formation

Development. 2003 Dec;130(25):6283-94. doi: 10.1242/dev.00859.

Abstract

Gene expression profiling of beta-catenin, Cripto and Wnt3 mutant mouse embryos has been used to characterise the genetic networks that regulate early embryonic development. We have defined genes whose expression is regulated by beta-catenin during formation of the anteroposterior axis and the mesoderm, and have identified Cripto, which encodes a Nodal co-receptor, as a primary target of beta-catenin signals both in embryogenesis as well as in colon carcinoma cell lines and tissues. We have also defined groups of genes regulated by Wnt3/beta-catenin signalling during primitive streak and mesoderm formation. Our data assign a key role to beta-catenin upstream of two distinct gene expression programs during anteroposterior axis and mesoderm formation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Patterning / genetics*
  • Cadherins / physiology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology*
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics*
  • Growth Substances / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins*
  • Mesoderm / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mutagenesis
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics*
  • Proteins / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt3 Protein
  • beta Catenin

Substances

  • CTNNB1 protein, mouse
  • Cadherins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Growth Substances
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Tdgf1 protein, mouse
  • Trans-Activators
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Wnt3 Protein
  • Wnt3 protein, mouse
  • beta Catenin
  • Epidermal Growth Factor