Fra-1 replaces c-Fos-dependent functions in mice
Abstract
Structure–function analysis as well as studies with knock-out and transgenic mice have assigned distinct functions to c-Fos and Fra-1, two components of the transcription factor AP-1 (activatorprotein-1). To test whether Fra-1 could substitute for c-Fos, we generated knock-in mice that express Fra-1 in place of c-Fos. Fra-1 rescues c-Fos-dependent functions such as bone development and light-induced photoreceptor apoptosis. Importantly, rescue of bone cell differentiation, but not photoreceptor apoptosis, is gene-dosage dependent. Moreover, Fra-1 fails to substitute for c-Fos in inducing expression of target genes in fibroblasts. These results show that c-Fos and Fra-1 have maintained functional equivalence during vertebrate evolution.
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Footnotes
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↵4 Corresponding author.
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E-MAIL wagner{at}nt.imp.univie.ac.at; FAX 43-1-7989370.
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Article and publication are at www.genesdev.org/cgi/doi/10.1101/gad.187900.
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- Received August 17, 2000.
- Accepted September 21, 2000.
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press