Ptf1a directly controls expression of immunoglobulin superfamily molecules Nephrin and Neph3 in the developing central nervous system.

ABSTRACT: Ptf1a, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, plays an indispensable role for cell fate specification of subsets of neurons in the developing central nervous system. However, downstream molecules induced by Ptf1a during neural development have not been well characterized. In the present study, we identified immunoglobulin superfamily molecules, Nephrin and Neph3, as direct downstream targets of Ptf1a. First, the expression domains of Nephrin and Neph3 closely resembled those of Ptf1a in the developing retina, hypothalamus, cerebellum, hindbrain, and spinal cord. Second, Ptf1a bound directly to a PTF-binding motif in the 5'-flanking region of Nephrin and Neph3 genes. Third, Ptf1a activated transcription driven by the 5'-flanking region of these genes. Finally, the expression of Neph

SUBMITTER: Nishida K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2804185 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature