AP-2α and AP-2β cooperatively orchestrate homeobox gene expression during branchial arch patterning.

ABSTRACT: The evolution of a hinged moveable jaw with variable morphology is considered a major factor behind the successful expansion of the vertebrates. DLX homeobox transcription factors are crucial for establishing the positional code that patterns the mandible, maxilla and intervening hinge domain, but how the genes encoding these proteins are regulated remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that the concerted action of the AP-2α and AP-2β transcription factors within the mouse neural crest is essential for jaw patterning. In the absence of these two proteins, the hinge domain is lost and there are alterations in the size and patterning of the jaws correlating with dysregulation of homeobox gene expression, with reduced levels of Emx, Msx and Dlx paralogs accompanied by an expansion of Six1

SUBMITTER: Van Otterloo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5825845 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature