Serpent/dGATAb regulates Laminin B1 and Laminin B2 expression during Drosophila embryogenesis

Abstract

AbstractTranscriptional regulation ofLamininexpression during embryogenesis is a key step required for proper ECM assembly. We show, that inDrosophilatheLaminin B1andLaminin B2genes share expression patterns in mesodermal cells as well as in endodermal and ectodermal gut primordia, yolk and amnioserosa. In the absence of the GATA transcription factor Serpent, the spatial extend ofLamininreporter gene expression was strongly limited, indicating that Laminin expression in many tissues depends on Serpent activity. We demonstrate a direct binding of Serpent to the intronic enhancers ofLaminin B1andLaminin B2. In addition, ectopically expressed Serpent activated enhancer elements ofLaminin B1andLaminin B2. Our results reveal Serpent as an important regulator ofLamininexpression across tissues.