PUBLICATION

Zebrafish atoh1 genes: classic proneural activity in the inner ear and regulation by Fgf and Notch

Authors

Millimaki, B.B., Sweet, E.M., Dhason, M.S., and Riley, B.B.

ID

ZDB-PUB-061227-44

Date

2007

Source

Development (Cambridge, England) 134(2): 295-305 (Journal)

Registered Authors

Riley, Bruce, Sweet, Elly

Keywords

Hair cells, Proneural genes, Fgf, Delta-Notch, Pax2-5-8, Foxi1, Dlx, Msx, no isthmus (pax2a), mind bomb

MeSH Terms

Hair Cells, Auditory/embryology
Hair Cells, Auditory/metabolism
Base Sequence
Zebrafish Proteins/genetics*
Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
Paired Box Transcription Factors/genetics
Paired Box Transcription Factors/metabolism
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
Transcription Factors/genetics*
Transcription Factors/metabolism
Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism*
PAX2 Transcription Factor/genetics
PAX2 Transcription Factor/metabolism
Membrane Proteins/metabolism
Mutation
Models, Biological
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
DNA/genetics
Zebrafish/embryology*
Zebrafish/genetics*
Zebrafish/metabolism
Signal Transduction
Ear, Inner/embryology*
Ear, Inner/metabolism*
Animals
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/genetics*
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
Mice

PubMed

17166920 Full text @ Development

Abstract

Hair cells of the inner ear develop from an equivalence group marked by expression of the proneural gene Atoh1. In mouse, Atoh1 is necessary for hair cell differentiation, but its role in specifying the equivalence group (proneural function) has been questioned and little is known about its upstream activators. We have addressed these issues in zebrafish. Two zebrafish homologs, atoh1a and atoh1b, are together necessary for hair cell development. These genes crossregulate each other but are differentially required during distinct developmental periods, first in the preotic placode and later in the otic vesicle. Interactions with the Notch pathway confirm that atoh1 genes have early proneural function. Fgf3 and Fgf8 are upstream activators of atoh1 genes during both phases, and foxi1, pax8 and dlx genes regulate atoh1b in the preplacode. A model is presented in which zebrafish atoh1 genes operate in a complex network leading to hair cell development.

Genes / Markers

Figures