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Jeffery D. Molkentin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • parsing the roles of the transcription factors gata 4 and gata 6 in the adult cardiac hypertrophic response
    PLOS ONE, 2013
    Co-Authors: Jop H Van Berlo, Bruce J Aronow, Jeffery D. Molkentin
    Abstract:

    The transcriptional code that programs cardiac hypertrophy involves the zinc finger-containing DNA binding factors GATA-4 and GATA-6, both of which are required to mount a hypertrophic response of the adult heart. Here we performed conditional gene deletion of Gata4 or GATA6 in the mouse heart in conjunction with reciprocal gene replacement using a transgene encoding either GATA-4 or GATA-6 in the heart as a means of parsing dosage effects of GATA-4 and GATA-6 versus unique functional roles. We determined that GATA-4 and GATA-6 play a redundant and dosage-sensitive role in programming the hypertrophic growth response of the heart following pressure overload stimulation. However, non-redundant functions were identified in allowing the heart to compensate and resist heart failure after pressure overload stimulation, as neither Gata4 nor GATA6 deletion was fully rescued by expression of the reciprocal transgene. For example, only Gata4 heart-specific deletion blocked the neoangiogenic response to pressure overload stimulation. Gene expression profiling from hearts of these gene-deleted mice showed both overlapping and unique transcriptional codes, which is presented. These results indicate that GATA-4 and GATA-6 play a dosage-dependent and redundant role in programming cardiac hypertrophy, but that each has a more complex role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis and resistance to heart failure following injury that cannot be compensated by the other.

  • The Transcription Factor GATA-6 Regulates Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy
    Circulation research, 2010
    Co-Authors: Jop H Van Berlo, Stephen A Duncan, Bruce J Aronow, John W. Elrod, Maarten M.g. Van Den Hoogenhof, Allen J. York, Jeffery D. Molkentin
    Abstract:

    Rationale:The transcriptional code that programs maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy involves the zinc finger–containing DNA binding factor GATA-4. The highly related transcription factor GATA-6 is also expressed in the adult heart, although its role in controlling the hypertrophic program is unknown. Objective:To determine the role of GATA-6 in cardiac hypertrophy and homeostasis. Methods and Results:Here, we performed a cardiomyocyte-specific conditional gene targeting approach for GATA6, as well as a transgenic approach to overexpress GATA-6 in the mouse heart. Deletion of GATA6-loxP with Nkx2.5-cre produced late embryonic lethality with heart defects, whereas deletion with β-myosin heavy chain-cre (βMHC-cre) produced viable adults with >95% loss of GATA-6 protein in the heart. These latter mice were subjected to pressure overload–induced hypertrophy for 2 and 6 weeks, which showed a significant reduction in cardiac hypertrophy similar to that observed Gata4 heart-specific deleted mice. GATA6-deleted mice ...

  • A threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 expression is required for cardiovascular development
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006
    Co-Authors: Christopher A. Davis, Chingling Lien, Jeffery D. Molkentin, James A Richardson, Stephen A Duncan, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    The zinc-finger transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 play critical roles in embryonic development. Mouse embryos lacking GATA4 die at embryonic day (E) 8.5 because of failure of ventral foregut closure and cardiac bifida, whereas GATA6 is essential for development of the visceral endoderm. Although mice that are heterozygous for either a GATA4 or GATA6 null allele are normal, we show that compound heterozygosity of GATA4 and GATA6 results in embryonic lethality by E13.5 accompanied by a spectrum of cardiovascular defects, including thin-walled myocardium, ventricular and aortopulmonary septal defects, and abnormal smooth muscle development. Myocardial hypoplasia in GATA4/GATA6 double heterozygous mutant embryos is associated with reduced proliferation of cardiomyocytes, diminished expression of the myogenic transcription factor MEF2C (myocyte enhancer factor 2C), and down-regulation of β-myosin heavy chain expression, a key determinant of cardiac contractility. These findings reveal a threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 activity that is required for gene expression in the developing cardiovascular system and underscore the potential of recessive mutations to perturb the delicate regulation of cardiovascular development.

  • The transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 regulate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo.
    The Journal of biological chemistry, 2001
    Co-Authors: Qiangrong Liang, Leon J. De Windt, Sandra A. Witt, Thomas R. Kimball, Bruce E. Markham, Jeffery D. Molkentin
    Abstract:

    Abstract The zinc finger-containing transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 are important regulators of basal and inducible gene expression in cardiac and smooth muscle cell types. Here we demonstrate a direct functional role for GATA4 and GATA6 as regulators of cardiomyocyte hypertrophic growth and gene expression. To model the increase in endogenous GATA4 and GATA6 transcriptional activity that occurs in response to hypertrophic stimulation, each factor was overexpressed in cardiomyocytes using recombinant adenovirus. Overexpression of either GATA4 or GATA6 was sufficient to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy characterized by enhanced sarcomeric organization, a greater than 2-fold increase in cell surface area, and a significant increase in total protein accumulation. In vivo, transgenic mice with 2.5-fold overexpression of GATA4 within the adult heart demonstrated a slowly progressing increase in heart to body weight ratio, histological features of cardiomyopathy, and activation of hypertrophy-associated genes, suggesting that GATA factors are sufficient regulators of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate the requirement of GATA factors as downstream transcriptional mediators of hypertrophy, a dominant negative GATA4-engrailed repressor fusion-encoding adenovirus was generated. Expression of GATA4-engrailed blocked GATA4- and GATA6-directed transcriptional responses and agonist-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, demonstrating that cardiac-expressed GATA factors are necessary mediators of this process.

  • Abnormalities of the genitourinary tract in female mice lacking GATA5.
    Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2000
    Co-Authors: Jeffery D. Molkentin, Kevin M. Tymitz, James A Richardson, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    Members of the GATA family of transcription factors play important roles in cell fate specification, differentiation, and morphogenesis during mammalian development. GATA5, the only one of the six vertebrate GATA factor genes not yet inactivated in mice, is expressed in a pattern that overlaps with but is distinct from that of other GATA factor genes. During mouse embryogenesis, GATA5 is expressed first in the developing heart and subsequently in the lung, vasculature, and genitourinary system. To investigate the function of GATA5 in vivo, we created mice homozygous for a GATA5 null allele. Homozygous mutants were viable and fertile, but females exhibited pronounced genitourinary abnormalities that included vaginal and uterine defects and hypospadias. In contrast, the genitourinary system was unaffected in male GATA5 mutants. These results reveal a specific role of GATA5 in development of the female genitourinary system and suggest that other GATA factors may have functions overlapping those of GATA5 in other tissues.

Masayuki Yamamoto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • gata2 and pu 1 collaborate to activate the expression of the mouse ms4a2 gene encoding fceriβ through distinct mechanisms
    Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Shin'ya Ohmori, Yasushi Ishijima, Masayuki Yamamoto, Suzuka Numata, Mai Takahashi, Masataka Sekita, Taichi Sato, Keisuke Chugun, Kinuko Ohneda
    Abstract:

    GATA factors GATA1 and GATA2 and ETS factor PU.1 are known to function antagonistically during hematopoietic development. In mouse mast cells, however, these factors are coexpressed and activate the expression of the Ms4a2 gene encoding the β chain of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FceRI). The present study showed that these factors cooperatively regulate Ms4a2 gene expression through distinct mechanisms. Although GATA2 and PU.1 contributed almost equally to Ms4a2 gene expression, gene ablation experiments revealed that simultaneous knockdown of both factors showed neither a synergistic nor an additive effect. A chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that they shared DNA binding to the +10.4-kbp region downstream of the Ms4a2 gene with chromatin looping factor LDB1, whereas the proximal -60-bp region was exclusively bound by GATA2 in a mast cell-specific manner. Ablation of PU.1 significantly reduced the level of GATA2 binding to both the +10.4-kbp and -60-bp regions. Surprisingly, the deletion of the +10.4-kbp region by genome editing completely abolished the Ms4a2 gene expression as well as the cell surface expression of FceRI. These results suggest that PU.1 and LDB1 play central roles in the formation of active chromatin structure whereas GATA2 directly activates the Ms4a2 promoter.

  • mouse tryptase gene expression is coordinately regulated by gata1 and gata2 in bone marrow derived mast cells
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019
    Co-Authors: Kinuko Ohneda, Shin'ya Ohmori, Masayuki Yamamoto
    Abstract:

    Mast cell tryptases have crucial roles in allergic and inflammatory diseases. The mouse tryptase genes represent a cluster of loci on chromosome 16p3.3. While their functional studies have been extensively performed, transcriptional regulation of tryptase genes is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the molecular basis of the tryptase gene expression in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) of C57BL/6 mice and in MEDMC-BRC6 mast cells. The expression of the Tpsb2 and Tpsg1 genes, which reside at the 3′-end of the tryptase locus, is significantly decreased by the reduction of the GATA transcription factors GATA1 or GATA2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays have shown that the GATA factors bind at multiple regions within the locus, including 1.0 and 72.8 kb upstream of the Tpsb2 gene, and that GATA1 and GATA2 facilitate each other’s DNA binding activity to these regions. Deletion of the −72.8 kb region by genome editing significantly reduced the Tpsb2 and Tpsg1 mRNA levels in MEDMC-BRC6 cells. Furthermore, binding of CTCF and the cohesin subunit Rad21 was found upstream of the −72.8 kb region and was significantly reduced in the absence of GATA1. These results suggest that mouse tryptase gene expression is coordinately regulated by GATA1 and GATA2 in BMMCs.

  • spiral ganglion cell degeneration induced deafness as a consequence of reduced gata factor activity
    Genes to Cells, 2019
    Co-Authors: Masayuki Yamamoto, Jun Takai, Tomofumi Hoshino, Tsumoru Terunuma, Satoshi Uemura, Yasuhiro Nakamura, Michito Hamada, Satoru Takahashi, James Douglas Engel
    Abstract:

    Zinc-finger transcription factors GATA2 and GATA3 are both expressed in the developing inner ear, although their overlapping versus distinct activities in adult definitive inner ear are not well understood. We show here that GATA2 and GATA3 are co-expressed in cochlear spiral ganglion cells and redundantly function in the maintenance of spiral ganglion cells and auditory neural circuitry. Notably, Gata2 and Gata3 compound heterozygous mutant mice had a diminished number of spiral ganglion cells due to enhanced apoptosis, which resulted in progressive hearing loss. The decrease in spiral ganglion cellularity was associated with lowered expression of neurotrophin receptor TrkC that is an essential factor for spiral ganglion cell survival. We further show that Gata2 null mutants that additionally bear a Gata2 YAC (yeast artificial chromosome) that counteracts the lethal hematopoietic deficiency due to complete Gata2 loss nonetheless failed to complement the deficiency in neonatal spiral ganglion neurons. Furthermore, cochlea-specific Gata2 deletion mice also had fewer spiral ganglion cells and resultant hearing impairment. These results show that GATA2 and GATA3 redundantly function to maintain spiral ganglion cells and hearing. We propose possible mechanisms underlying hearing loss in human GATA2- or GATA3-related genetic disorders.

  • A regulatory network governing Gata1 and Gata2 gene transcription orchestrates erythroid lineage differentiation
    International Journal of Hematology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Takashi Moriguchi, Masayuki Yamamoto
    Abstract:

    GATA transcription factor family members GATA1 and GATA2 play crucial roles in the regulation of lineage-restricted genes during erythroid differentiation. GATA1 is indispensable for survival and terminal differentiation of erythroid, megakaryocytic and eosinophilic progenitors, whereas GATA2 regulates proliferation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Expression levels of GATA1 and GATA2 are primarily regulated at the transcriptional level through auto- and reciprocal regulatory networks formed by these GATA factors. The dynamic and strictly controlled change of expression from GATA2 to GATA1 during erythropoiesis has been referred to as GATA factor switching, which plays a crucial role in erythropoiesis. The regulatory network comprising GATA1 and GATA2 gives rise to the stage-specific changes in Gata1 and Gata2 gene expression during erythroid differentiation, which ensures specific expression of early and late erythroid genes at each stage. Recent studies have also shed light on the genome-wide binding profiles of GATA1 and GATA2, and the significance of epigenetic modification of Gata1 gene during erythroid differentiation. This review summarizes the current understanding of network regulation underlying stage-dependent Gata1 and Gata2 gene expressions and the functional contribution of these GATA factors in erythroid differentiation.

  • the gata1 5 region harbors distinct cis regulatory modules that direct gene activation in erythroid cells and gene inactivation in hscs
    Blood, 2013
    Co-Authors: Jun Takai, Kinuko Ohneda, Takashi Moriguchi, Mikiko Suzuki, Masayuki Yamamoto
    Abstract:

    GATA1 is a master regulator of hematopoietic differentiation, but Gata1 expression is inactivated in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Using a bacterial artificial chromosome containing the Gata1 gene modified with green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter, we explored the function of the 3.7-kb Gata1 upstream region (GdC region) that harbors 3 core cis-elements: Gata1 hematopoietic enhancer, double GATA-motif, and CACCC-motif. Transgenic GFP expression directed by the Gata1-BAC faithfully recapitulated the endogenous Gata1 expression pattern. However, deletion of the GdC-region eliminated reporter expression in all hematopoietic cells. To test whether the combination of the core cis-elements represents the regulatory function of the GdC-region, we replaced the region with a 659-bp minigene that linked the three cis-elements (MG-GFP). The GFP reporter expression directed by the MG-GFP BAC fully recapitulated the erythroid-megakaryocytic Gata1 expression. However, the GFP expression was aberrantly increased in the HSCs and was associated with decreases in DNA methylation and abundant GATA2 binding to the transgenic MG-GFP allele. The 3.2-kb sequences interspaced between the Gata1 hematopoietic enhancer and the double GATA-motif were able to recruit DNA methyltransferase 1, thereby exerting a cis-repressive function in the HSC-like cell line. These results indicate that the 3.2-kb interspacing sequences inactivate Gata1 by maintaining DNA-methylation in the HSCs.

Stephen A Duncan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • epicardial gata factors regulate early coronary vascular plexus formation
    Developmental Biology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Kurt D Kolander, Stephen A Duncan, Mary L Holtz, Stephanie M Cossette, Ravi P Misra
    Abstract:

    During early development, GATA factors have been shown to be important for key events of coronary vasculogenesis, including formation of the epicardium. Myocardial GATA factors are required for coronary vascular (CV) formation; however, the role of epicardial localized GATAs in this process has not been addressed. The current study was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the epicardium controls coronary vasculogenesis, focusing on the role of epicardial GATAs in establishing the endothelial plexus during early coronary vasculogenesis. To address the role of epicardial GATAs, we ablated GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors specifically from the mouse epicardium and found that the number of endothelial cells in the sub-epicardium was drastically reduced, and concomitant coronary vascular plexus formation was significantly compromised. Here we present evidence for a novel role for epicardial GATA factors in controlling plexus formation by recruiting endothelial cells to the sub-epicardium.

  • pancreas specific deletion of mouse gata4 and GATA6 causes pancreatic agenesis
    Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2012
    Co-Authors: Shouhong Xuan, Matthew J Borok, Kimberly J Decker, Michele A Battle, Stephen A Duncan, Michael A Hale, Raymond J Macdonald, Lori Sussel
    Abstract:

    Pancreatic agenesis is a human disorder caused by defects in pancreas development. To date, only a few genes have been linked to pancreatic agenesis in humans, with mutations in pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) and pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a (PTF1A) reported in only 5 families with described cases. Recently, mutations in GATA6 have been identified in a large percentage of human cases, and a GATA4 mutant allele has been implicated in a single case. In the mouse, Gata4 and GATA6 are expressed in several endoderm-derived tissues, including the pancreas. To analyze the functions of GATA4 and/or GATA6 during mouse pancreatic development, we generated pancreas-specific deletions of Gata4 and GATA6. Surprisingly, loss of either Gata4 or GATA6 in the pancreas resulted in only mild pancreatic defects, which resolved postnatally. However, simultaneous deletion of both Gata4 and GATA6 in the pancreas caused severe pancreatic agenesis due to disruption of pancreatic progenitor cell proliferation, defects in branching morphogenesis, and a subsequent failure to induce the differentiation of progenitor cells expressing carboxypeptidase A1 (CPA1) and neurogenin 3 (NEUROG3). These studies address the conserved and nonconserved mechanisms underlying GATA4 and GATA6 function during pancreas development and provide a new mouse model to characterize the underlying developmental defects associated with pancreatic agenesis.

  • The Transcription Factor GATA-6 Regulates Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy
    Circulation research, 2010
    Co-Authors: Jop H Van Berlo, Stephen A Duncan, Bruce J Aronow, John W. Elrod, Maarten M.g. Van Den Hoogenhof, Allen J. York, Jeffery D. Molkentin
    Abstract:

    Rationale:The transcriptional code that programs maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy involves the zinc finger–containing DNA binding factor GATA-4. The highly related transcription factor GATA-6 is also expressed in the adult heart, although its role in controlling the hypertrophic program is unknown. Objective:To determine the role of GATA-6 in cardiac hypertrophy and homeostasis. Methods and Results:Here, we performed a cardiomyocyte-specific conditional gene targeting approach for GATA6, as well as a transgenic approach to overexpress GATA-6 in the mouse heart. Deletion of GATA6-loxP with Nkx2.5-cre produced late embryonic lethality with heart defects, whereas deletion with β-myosin heavy chain-cre (βMHC-cre) produced viable adults with >95% loss of GATA-6 protein in the heart. These latter mice were subjected to pressure overload–induced hypertrophy for 2 and 6 weeks, which showed a significant reduction in cardiac hypertrophy similar to that observed Gata4 heart-specific deleted mice. GATA6-deleted mice ...

  • loss of both gata4 and GATA6 blocks cardiac myocyte differentiation and results in acardia in mice
    Developmental Biology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Roong Zhao, Michele A Battle, Alistair J Watt, Jixuan Li, Benjamin J Bondow, Stephen A Duncan
    Abstract:

    Despite significant advances in identifying signaling molecules that induce cardiogenesis in mammals, the transcription factors that control the onset of cardiac myocyte gene expression have remained elusive. Candidates include the zinc finger transcription factors GATA binding proteins 4 and 6 (GATA4, GATA6). The individual loss of either protein in mice results in lethality prior to the onset of heart development due to defects in the extra-embryonic endoderm; however, when this extra-embryonic deficiency is circumvented using tetraploid embryo complementation, cardiac myocyte differentiation initiates normally. Here we show that these factors have redundant roles in controlling the onset of cardiac myocyte differentiation. As a consequence, Gata4−/−GATA6−/− embryos completely lack hearts, although second heart field progenitor cells are still generated. Our data support a model whereby GATA4 or GATA6 are essential for expression of the network of transcription factors that regulate the onset of cardiac myocyte gene expression during mammalian development.

  • A threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 expression is required for cardiovascular development
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006
    Co-Authors: Christopher A. Davis, Chingling Lien, Jeffery D. Molkentin, James A Richardson, Stephen A Duncan, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    The zinc-finger transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 play critical roles in embryonic development. Mouse embryos lacking GATA4 die at embryonic day (E) 8.5 because of failure of ventral foregut closure and cardiac bifida, whereas GATA6 is essential for development of the visceral endoderm. Although mice that are heterozygous for either a GATA4 or GATA6 null allele are normal, we show that compound heterozygosity of GATA4 and GATA6 results in embryonic lethality by E13.5 accompanied by a spectrum of cardiovascular defects, including thin-walled myocardium, ventricular and aortopulmonary septal defects, and abnormal smooth muscle development. Myocardial hypoplasia in GATA4/GATA6 double heterozygous mutant embryos is associated with reduced proliferation of cardiomyocytes, diminished expression of the myogenic transcription factor MEF2C (myocyte enhancer factor 2C), and down-regulation of β-myosin heavy chain expression, a key determinant of cardiac contractility. These findings reveal a threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 activity that is required for gene expression in the developing cardiovascular system and underscore the potential of recessive mutations to perturb the delicate regulation of cardiovascular development.

Eric N Olson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 expression is required for cardiovascular development
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006
    Co-Authors: Christopher A. Davis, Chingling Lien, Jeffery D. Molkentin, James A Richardson, Stephen A Duncan, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    The zinc-finger transcription factors GATA4 and GATA6 play critical roles in embryonic development. Mouse embryos lacking GATA4 die at embryonic day (E) 8.5 because of failure of ventral foregut closure and cardiac bifida, whereas GATA6 is essential for development of the visceral endoderm. Although mice that are heterozygous for either a GATA4 or GATA6 null allele are normal, we show that compound heterozygosity of GATA4 and GATA6 results in embryonic lethality by E13.5 accompanied by a spectrum of cardiovascular defects, including thin-walled myocardium, ventricular and aortopulmonary septal defects, and abnormal smooth muscle development. Myocardial hypoplasia in GATA4/GATA6 double heterozygous mutant embryos is associated with reduced proliferation of cardiomyocytes, diminished expression of the myogenic transcription factor MEF2C (myocyte enhancer factor 2C), and down-regulation of β-myosin heavy chain expression, a key determinant of cardiac contractility. These findings reveal a threshold of GATA4 and GATA6 activity that is required for gene expression in the developing cardiovascular system and underscore the potential of recessive mutations to perturb the delicate regulation of cardiovascular development.

  • Abnormalities of the genitourinary tract in female mice lacking GATA5.
    Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2000
    Co-Authors: Jeffery D. Molkentin, Kevin M. Tymitz, James A Richardson, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    Members of the GATA family of transcription factors play important roles in cell fate specification, differentiation, and morphogenesis during mammalian development. GATA5, the only one of the six vertebrate GATA factor genes not yet inactivated in mice, is expressed in a pattern that overlaps with but is distinct from that of other GATA factor genes. During mouse embryogenesis, GATA5 is expressed first in the developing heart and subsequently in the lung, vasculature, and genitourinary system. To investigate the function of GATA5 in vivo, we created mice homozygous for a GATA5 null allele. Homozygous mutants were viable and fertile, but females exhibited pronounced genitourinary abnormalities that included vaginal and uterine defects and hypospadias. In contrast, the genitourinary system was unaffected in male GATA5 mutants. These results reveal a specific role of GATA5 in development of the female genitourinary system and suggest that other GATA factors may have functions overlapping those of GATA5 in other tissues.

  • Direct Activation of a GATA6 Cardiac Enhancer by Nkx2.5: Evidence for a Reinforcing Regulatory Network of Nkx2.5 and GATA Transcription Factors in the Developing Heart
    Developmental biology, 2000
    Co-Authors: Jeffery D. Molkentin, Christopher L. Antos, Brian Mercer, Tyler Taigen, Joseph M. Miano, Eric N Olson
    Abstract:

    Abstract The zinc finger transcription factors GATA4, -5, and -6 and the homeodomain protein Nkx2.5 are expressed in the developing heart and have been shown to activate a variety of cardiac-specific genes. To begin to define the regulatory relationships between these cardiac transcription factors and to understand the mechanisms that control their expression during cardiogenesis, we analyzed the mouse GATA6 gene for regulatory elements sufficient to direct cardiac expression during embryogenesis. Using β-galactosidase fusion constructs in transgenic mice, a 4.3-kb 5′ regulatory region that directed transcription specifically in the cardiac lineage, beginning at the cardiac crescent stage, was identified. Thereafter, transgene expression became compartmentalized to the outflow tract, a portion of the right ventricle, and a limited region of the common atrial chamber of the embryonic heart. Further dissection of this regulatory region identified a 1.8-kb cardiac-specific enhancer that recapitulated the expression pattern of the larger region when fused to a heterologous promoter and a smaller 500-bp subregion that retained cardiac expression, but was quantitatively weaker. The GATA6 cardiac enhancer contained a binding site for Nkx2.5 that was essential for cardiac-specific expression in transgenic mice. These studies demonstrate that GATA6 is a direct target gene for Nkx2.5 in the developing heart and reveal a mutually reinforcing regulatory network of Nkx2.5 and GATA transcription factors during cardiogenesis.

Bernat Soria - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • GATA6 controls insulin biosynthesis and secretion in adult β cells
    Diabetes, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laura Villamayor, Elisa Rodriguezseguel, Raquel Araujo, M Martinez C Carrasco, Eva Brutari, Jose Manuel Melladogil, Benoit R Gauthier, Paola Martinelli, Ivan Quesada, Bernat Soria
    Abstract:

    GATA4 and GATA6 play essential, but redundant, roles in pancreas formation in mice, and GATA6 mutations cause pancreatic agenesis in humans. GATA6 mutations have also recently been linked to adult-onset diabetes, with subclinical or no exocrine insufficiency, suggesting an important role for GATA6 in human β-cell physiology. To investigate the role of GATA6 in the adult endocrine pancreas, we generated mice in which GATA6 is specifically inactivated in the pancreas. These mice develop glucose intolerance. Islets deficient in GATA6 activity display decreased insulin content and impaired insulin secretion. GATA6-deficient β-cells exhibit ultrastructural abnormalities, including increased immature insulin granules, swollen mitochondria, and disorganized endoplasmic reticulum. We also demonstrate that Pdx1 expression in adult β-cells depends on GATA sites in transgenic reporter mice and that loss of GATA6 greatly affects β-cell-specific gene expression. These findings demonstrate the essential role of GATA6 in β-cell function.

  • gata4 and GATA6 control mouse pancreas organogenesis
    Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2012
    Co-Authors: Manuel Carrasco, Bernat Soria, Irene Delgado, Francisco Martin, Anabel Rojas
    Abstract:

    Recently, heterozygous mutations in GATA6 have been found in neonatal diabetic patients with failed pancreatic organogenesis. To investigate the roles of GATA4 and GATA6 in mouse pancreas organogenesis, we conditionally inactivated these genes within the pancreas. Single inactivation of either gene did not have a major impact on pancreas formation, indicating functional redundancy. However, double Gata4/GATA6 mutant mice failed to develop pancreata, died shortly after birth, and displayed hyperglycemia. Morphological defects in Gata4/GATA6 mutant pancreata were apparent during embryonic development, and the epithelium failed to expand as a result of defects in cell proliferation and differentiation. The number of multipotent pancreatic progenitors, including PDX1+ cells, was reduced in the Gata4/GATA6 mutant pancreatic epithelium. Remarkably, deletion of only 1 GATA6 allele on a Gata4 conditional knockout background severely reduced pancreatic mass. In contrast, a single WT allele of Gata4 in GATA6 conditional knockout mice was sufficient for normal pancreatic development, indicating differential contributions of GATA factors to pancreas formation. Our results place GATA factors at the top of the transcriptional network hierarchy controlling pancreas organogenesis.