The homeobox-containing gene variant hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 (vHnf1) has recently been shown to be involved in zebrafish caudal hindbrain specification, notably in the activation of MafB and Krox20 expression. We have explored this regulatory network in the chick by in ovo electroporation in the neural tube. We show that misexpression of vHnf1 confers caudal identity to more anterior regions of the hindbrain. Ectopic expression of mvHnf1 leads to ectopic activation of MafB and Krox20, and downregulation of Hoxb1 in rhombomere 4. Unexpectedly, mvhnf1 strongly upregulates Fgf3 expression throughout the hindbrain, in both a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner. Blockade of FGF signaling correlates with a selective loss of MafB and Krox20 expression, without affecting the expression of vHnf1, Fgf3, or Hoxb1. Based on these observations, we propose that in chick, as in zebrafish, vHnf1 acts with FGF to promote caudal hindbrain identity by activating MafB and Krox20 expression. However, our data suggest differences in the vHnf1 downstream cascade in different vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 234:567-576, 2005.

The inner ear, the sensory organ responsible for hearing and balance, contains specialized sensory and non-sensory epithelia arranged in a highly complex three-dimensional structure. To achieve this complexity, a tight coordination between morphogenesis and cell fate specification is essential during otic development. Tissues surrounding the otic primordium, and more particularly the adjacent segmented hindbrain, have been implicated in specifying structures along the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the inner ear. In this work we have first characterized the generation and axial specification of the otic neurogenic domain, and second, we have investigated the effects of the mutation of kreisler/MafB--a gene transiently expressed in rhombomeres 5 and 6 of the developing hindbrain--in early otic patterning and cell specification. We show that kr/kr embryos display an expansion of the otic neurogenic domain, due to defects in otic patterning. Although many reports have pointed to the role of FGF3 in otic regionalisation, we provide evidence that FGF3 is not sufficient to govern this process. Neither Krox20 nor Fgf3 mutant embryos, characterized by a downregulation or absence of Fgf3 in r5 and r6, display ectopic neuroblasts in the otic primordium. However, Fgf3-/-Fgf10-/- double mutants show a phenotype very similar to kr/kr embryos: they present ectopic neuroblasts along the AP and DV otic axes. Finally, partial rescue of the kr/kr phenotype is obtained when Fgf3 or Fgf10 are ectopically expressed in the hindbrain of kr/kr embryos. These results highlight the importance of hindbrain-derived signals in the regulation of otic neurogenesis.

The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily (SRCR-SF) members are transmembrane and/or secreted receptors exhibiting one or several repeats of a cysteine-rich protein module of ∼100 aa, named scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR). Two types of SRCR domains (A or B) have been reported, which differ in the number of coding exons and intradomain cysteines. Although no unifying function has been reported for SRCR-SF members, recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) was recently shown for some of them. In this article, we report the structural and functional characterization of mouse S5D-SRCRB, a new group B member of the SRCR-SF. The s5d-srcrb gene maps at mouse chromosome 7 and encompasses 14 exons extending over 15 kb. The longest cDNA sequence found is 4286 bp in length and encodes a mature protein of 1371 aa, with a predicted Mr of 144.6 kDa. Using an episomal mammalian-expression system, a glycosylated soluble recombinant form >200 kDa was obtained and used as immunogen for the generation of specific rat mAbs. Subsequent immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analysis showed significant S5D-SRCRB expression in murine genitourinary and digestive tracts. S5D-SRCRB was shown to bind endogenous extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and galectin-1), as well as PAMPs present on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. PAMP binding by S5D-SRCRB induced microbial aggregation and subsequent inhibition of PAMP-induced cytokine release. These abilities suggest that S5D-SRCRB might play a role in the innate defense and homeostasis of certain specialized epithelial surfaces.

Fgf and Wnt signalling have been shown to be required for formation of the otic placode in vertebrates. Whereas several Fgfs including Fgf3, Fgf8 and Fgf10 have been shown to participate during early placode induction, Wnt signalling is required for specification and maintenance of the otic placode, and dorsal patterning of the otic vesicle. However, the requirement for specific members of the Wnt gene family for otic placode and vesicle formation and their potential interaction with Fgf signalling has been poorly defined. Due to its spatiotemporal expression during placode formation in the hindbrain Wnt8a has been postulated as a potential candidate for its specification. Here we have examined the role of Wnt8a during formation of the otic placode and vesicle in mouse embryos. Wnt8a expression depends on the presence of Fgf3 indicating a serial regulation between Fgf and Wnt signalling during otic placode induction and specification. Wnt8a by itself however is neither essential for placode specification nor redundantly required together with Fgfs for otic placode and vesicle formation. Interestingly however, Wnt8a and Fgf3 are redundantly required for expression of Fgf15 in the hindbrain indicating additional reciprocal interactions between Fgf and Wnt signalling. Further reduction of Wnt signalling by the inactivation of Wnt1 in a Wnt8a mutant background revealed a redundant requirement for both genes during morphogenesis of the dorsal portion of the otic vesicle.