Inhibition of Xbra transcription activation causes defects in mesodermal patterning and reveals autoregulation of Xbra in dorsal mesoderm

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.122.8.2427
• Publication Date: 2021-04-26T02:48:46Z
• Authors: F. L. Conlon; S. G. Sedgwick; K. M. Weston; J. C. Smith
• Keywords: Brachyury; engrailed; Blastula

ABSTRACT The Brachyury (T) gene is required for formation of posterior mesoderm and axial development in both mouse zebrafish embryos. In this paper, we first show that the Xenopus homologue Brachyury, Xbra, homologue, no tail (ntl), function as transcription activators. activation domains proteins map to their carboxy terminal regions, note domain absent two mutations, suggesting it function. A dominant-interfering Xbra construct was generated by replacing with repressor Drosophila engrailed protein. Microinjection RNA encoding fusion protein allowed us generate embryos which striking similarities genetic mutants fish. These results indicate during vertebrate gastrulation activate mesoderm-specific genes. Additional experiments regulation itself dorsal, but not ventral, mesoderm. approach described DNA-binding a activator fused domain, should assist analysis other factors.