Visualization and exploration of Tcf/Lef function using a highly responsive Wnt/Β-catenin signaling-reporter transgenic zebrafish

Nobuyuki Shimizu, Koichi Kawakami, Tohru Ishitani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

87 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Evolutionarily conserved Tcf/Lef transcription factors (Lef1, Tcf7, Tcf7l1, and Tcf7l2) mediate gene expression regulated by Wnt/Β-catenin signaling, which has multiple roles in early embryogenesis, organogenesis, adult tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of Tcf/Lef activity during these events remain poorly understood. We generated stable transgenic zebrafish lines carrying a new Wnt/Β-catenin signaling reporter, Tcf/Lef-miniP:dGFP. The reporter revealed the transcriptional activities of four Tcf/Lef members controlled by Wnt/Β-catenin signaling, which were expressed in known Wnt/Β-catenin signaling-active sites during embryogenesis, organ development and growth, and tissue regeneration. We used the transgenic lines to demonstrate the contribution of Tcf/Lef-mediated Wnt/Β-catenin signaling to the development of the anterior lateral line, dorsal and secondary posterior lateral lines, and gill filaments. Thus, these reporter lines are highly useful tools for studying Tcf/Lef-mediated Wnt/Β-catenin signaling-dependent processes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)71-85
Number of pages15
JournalDevelopmental Biology
Volume370
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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