LEF-1, a nuclear factor coordinating signaling inputs from wingless and decapentaplegic

Cell. 1997 Mar 21;88(6):777-87. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)81924-8.

Abstract

wingless and decapentaplegic signal during endoderm induction in Drosophila to regulate expression of the homeotic gene Ultrabithorax. Here, we define a minimal wingless response sequence in the midgut enhancer of Ultrabithorax. We show that this sequence is recognized by the murine transcription factor LEF-1 (lymphocyte enhancer binding factor 1) in a ternary complex with armadillo protein, the cytoplasmic target of the wingless signaling pathway. In stable transformants, transcriptional stimulation of the Ultrabithorax enhancer by LEF-1 depends on armadillo. Furthermore, overexpression of LEF-1 bypasses the need for wingless signaling and causes phenotypes in the midgut, notum, and wing that mimic wingless hyperstimulation. Finally, efficient transcriptional stimulation by LEF-1 in the midgut depends also on the decapentaplegic response sequence and is limited spatially by decapentaplegic signaling. Thus, LEF-1 coordinates inputs from multiple positional signals, consistent with its architectural role in regulating the assembly of multiprotein enhancer complexes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Armadillo Domain Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Drosophila
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Insect Proteins / physiology*
  • Intestines / chemistry
  • Intestines / physiology
  • Larva / chemistry
  • Larva / physiology
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phenotype
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology*
  • Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Trans-Activators*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology
  • Wnt1 Protein

Substances

  • ARM protein, Drosophila
  • Armadillo Domain Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Insect Proteins
  • Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Wnt1 Protein
  • dpp protein, Drosophila
  • wg protein, Drosophila