Abstract
Mice lacking the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor EPAS1 die at mid-gestation. Despite normal morphological development of the circulatory system, EPAS1-deficient mice display pronounced bradycardia. In addition to the vascular endothelium, EPAS1 is expressed intensively in the organ of Zuckerkandl (OZ), the principle source of catecholamine production in mammalian embryos. EPAS1-deficient embryos contained substantially reduced catecholamine levels. Mid-gestational lethality was rescued by administration of the catecholamine precursor DOPS to pregnant females. We hypothesize that EPAS1 expressed in the OZ senses hypoxia during midgestational development and translates this signal into an altered pattern of gene expression, leading to increases in circulating catecholamine levels and proper cardiac function.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 3320-3324 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Genes and Development |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 21 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 1998 |
Keywords
- EPAS1
- Gene targeting
- Hypoxia
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine