Transcription factor AP-2 is expressed in neural crest cell lineages during mouse embryogenesis.

TLDR

The study examined AP‑2 expression in mouse embryos to assess its role as a developmental regulator. AP‑2 cDNA was cloned and probes were generated for RNase protection and in situ hybridization to quantify mRNA. AP‑2 mRNA peaks at embryonic day 11.5 and is predominantly expressed in neural crest cells and their derivatives, as well as in surface ectoderm, spinal cord, hindbrain, limb bud, and meso‑metanephric tissues, suggesting a role in peripheral nervous system, facial, limb, skin, and kidney development.

Abstract

We have analyzed the expression pattern of transcription factor AP-2 in mouse embryos to evaluate the potential of AP-2 as a regulator during vertebrate development. A partial cDNA encoding AP-2 was isolated from a mouse embryo cDNA library and used to prepare probes to measure AP-2 mRNA levels by RNase protection and RNA in situ hybridization. Between 10.5 and 15.5 days of embryogenesis, the relative abundance of AP-2 mRNA is greatest at 11.5 days and declines steadily thereafter. RNA in situ hybridization analysis of embryos between 8.5 and 12.5 days of gestation identified a novel expression pattern for AP-2. The principle part of this expression occurs in neural crest cells and their major derivatives, including cranial and spinal sensory ganglia and facial mesenchyme. AP-2 is also expressed in surface ectoderm and in a longitudinal column of the spinal cord and hindbrain that is contacted by neural crest-derived sensory ganglia. Additional expression of AP-2 occurs in limb bud mesenchyme and in meso-metanephric regions. This embryonic expression pattern is spatially and temporally consistent with a role for AP-2 in regulating transcription of genes involved in the morphogenesis of the peripheral nervous system, face, limbs, skin, and nephric tissues.