Coordinated genomic control of ciliogenesis and cell movement by RFX2
Abstract
The mechanisms linking systems-level programs of gene expression to discrete cell biological processes in vivo remain poorly understood. In this study, we have defined such a program for multi-ciliated epithelial cells (MCCs), a cell type critical for proper development and homeostasis of the airway, brain and reproductive tracts. Starting from genomic analysis of the cilia-associated transcription factor Rfx2, we used bioinformatics and in vivo cell biological approaches to gain insights into the molecular basis of cilia assembly and function. Moreover, we discovered a previously un-recognized role for an Rfx factor in cell movement, finding that Rfx2 cell-autonomously controls apical surface expansion in nascent MCCs. Thus, Rfx2 coordinates multiple, distinct gene expression programs in MCCs, regulating genes that control cell movement, ciliogenesis, and cilia function. As such, the work serves as a paradigm for understanding genomic control of cell biological processes that span from early cell morphogenetic events to terminally differentiated cellular functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2014
- Source ID
- 10.7554/elife.01439
Entities
People
- Edward Marcotte
- Eric R Brooks
- Fan Tu
- John B. Wallingford
- Julie C. Baker
- Matthew Meyer
- Mei-i Chung
- Rakhi Gupta
- Taejoon Kwon
Organizations
- Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institute of General Medical Sciences
- National Science Foundation
- Robert A. Welch Foundation
- Stanford University
- United States Army
- University of Texas at Austin