A bipolar role of the transcription factor ERG for cnidarian germ layer formation and apical domain patterning.

ABSTRACT: Germ layer formation and axial patterning are biological processes that are tightly linked during embryonic development of most metazoans. In addition to canonical WNT, it has been proposed that ERK-MAPK signaling is involved in specifying oral as well as aboral territories in cnidarians. However, the effector and the molecular mechanism underlying latter phenomenon is unknown. By screening for potential effectors of ERK-MAPK signaling in both domains, we identified a member of the ETS family of transcription factors, Nverg that is bi-polarily expressed prior to gastrulation. We further describe the crucial role of NvERG for gastrulation, endomesoderm as well as apical domain formation. The molecular characterization of the obtained NvERG knock-down phenotype using previously described as

SUBMITTER: Amiel AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5623658 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature