Pax2 and Pea3 synergize to activate a novel regulatory enhancer for spalt4 in the developing ear.

ABSTRACT: The transcription factor spalt4 is a key early-response gene in otic placode induction. Here, we characterize the cis-regulatory regions of spalt4 responsible for activation of its expression in the developing otic placode and report the isolation of a novel core enhancer. Identification and mutational analysis of putative transcription factor binding sites reveal that Pea3, a downstream effector of FGF signaling, and Pax2 directly activate spalt4 during ear development. Morpholino-mediated knock-down of each factor reduces or eliminates reporter expression. In contrast, combined over-expression of Pea3 and Pax2 drives ectopic reporter expression, suggesting that they function synergistically. These studies expand the gene regulatory network underlying early otic development by identifying

SUBMITTER: Barembaum M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2892740 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature