Barx1-Mediated Inhibition of Wnt Signaling in the Mouse Thoracic Foregut Controls Tracheo-Esophageal Septation and Epithelial Differentiation
2011
Barx1's Role in Mouse Foregut Development
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Woo Janghee, Miletich Isabelle, Kim Byeong-Moo, Sharpe Paul T., Shivdasani Ramesh A.
Primary Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Barx1 in the mesenchyme affects thoracic foregut development by suppressing regional endodermal Wnt activity.
Conclusion
Barx1 is necessary for proper tracheo-esophageal septation and localization of epithelial types in the foregut.
Supporting Evidence
- Barx1 is highly expressed in the fetal mouse stomach mesenchyme.
- Barx1−/− embryos show a single elongated foregut tube instead of distinct tracheal and esophageal structures.
- Barx1 deletion leads to defective foregut septation and mislocalization of respiratory endoderm.
Takeaway
Barx1 helps separate the trachea and esophagus during development, and without it, these structures can become improperly formed.
Methodology
The study involved examining Barx1 expression in foregut development and assessing Wnt pathway activation in Barx1−/− embryos.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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