HEB and E2A function as SMAD/FOXH1 cofactors
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ABSTRACT: Nodal signaling, mediated through SMAD transcription factors, is necessary for pluripotency maintenance and endoderm commitment. We have identified a new motif, termed SMAD Complex Associated (SCA) that is bound by SMAD2/3/4 and FOXH1 in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and derived endoderm. We demonstrate that two bHLH proteins - HEB and E2A - bind the SCA motif at regions overlapping SMAD2/3 and FOXH1. Further, we show that HEB and E2A associate with SMAD2/3 and FOXH1, suggesting they form a complex at critical target regions. This association is biologically important, as E2A is critical for mesendoderm specification, gastrulation, and Nodal signal transduction in Xenopus tropicalis embryos. Taken together, E2A is a novel Nodal signaling cofactor that associates with SMAD2/3 and FOXH1 and is necessary for mesendoderm differentiation.
ORGANISM(S): Xenopus tropicalis
PROVIDER: GSE30146 | GEO | 2011/08/23
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA143851
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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