The closely related transcription factors Sox4 and Sox11 function as survival factors during spinal cord development.

ABSTRACT: Development of the mouse CNS was reported to be normal in the absence of either Sox4 or its close relative Sox11 despite strong and widespread expression of both transcription factors. In this study, we show that combined absence of both Sox proteins in the mouse leads to severe hypoplasia of the developing spinal cord. Proliferation of neuroepithelial precursor cells in the ventricular zone was unaffected. These cells also acquired their correct positional identity. Both glial and neuronal progenitors were generated and neurons appeared in a similar spatiotemporal pattern as in the wild-type. Rates of cell death were however dramatically increased throughout embryogenesis in the double deficient spinal cord arguing that Sox4 and Sox11 are jointly and redundantly required for cell survival

SUBMITTER: Thein DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2939931 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature