Identification and analysis of a conserved Tcfap2a intronic enhancer element required for expression in facial and limb bud mesenchyme.

ABSTRACT: Tcfap2a, the gene encoding the mouse AP-2alpha transcription factor, is required for normal development of multiple structures during embryogenesis, including the face and limbs. Using comparative sequence analysis and transgenic-mouse experiments we have identified an intronic enhancer within this gene that directs expression to the face and limb mesenchyme. There are two conserved sequence blocks within this intron, and the larger of these directs tissue-specific activity and is found in all vertebrate Tcfap2a genes analyzed. To assess the role of the enhancer in regulating endogenous mouse Tcfap2a expression, we have deleted this cis-regulatory sequence from the genome. Loss of this element severely impairs Tcfap2a expression in the limb bud mesenchyme but generates only a modest reduct

SUBMITTER: Feng W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2223317 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature