Abstract

SoxB1 transcription factors (Sox2/3) are well known for their role in early neural fate specification in the embryo, but little is known about functional roles for SoxB1 factors in non-neural ectodermal cell types, such as the neural plate border (NPB). Using Xenopus laevis, we set out to determine whether SoxB1 transcription factors have a regulatory function in NPB formation. Here, we show that SoxB1 factors are necessary for NPB formation, and that prolonged SoxB1 factor activity blocks the transition from a NPB to a neural crest state. Using ChIP-seq, we demonstrate that Sox3 is enriched upstream of NPB genes in early NPB cells and in blastula stem cells. Depletion of SoxB1 factors in blastula stem cells results in downregulation of NPB genes. Finally, we identify Pou5f3 factors as potential Sox3 partners in regulating the formation of the NPB and show that their combined activity is needed for normal NPB gene expression. Together, these data identify a role for SoxB1 factors in the establishment and maintenance of the NPB, in part through partnership with Pou5f3 factors.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2024

Notes/Citation Information

© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.202693

Funding Information

This work was supported by funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (5F32DE029113 and K99DE031825 to E.N.S.), the Simons Foundation (597491-RWC to C.L.), the National Science Foundation (1764421 to C.L.) and the National Institutes of Health (R01GM116538 to C.L.). Open access funding provided by Northwestern University. Deposited in PMC for immediate release.

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