MEF2: A central regulator of diverse developmental programs

Matthew J. Potthoff, Eric N. Olson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

658 Scopus citations

Abstract

The myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factor acts as a lynchpin in the transcriptional circuits that control cell differentiation and organogenesis. The spectrum of genes activated by MEF2 in different cell types depends on extracellular signaling and on co-factor interactions that modulate MEF2 activity. Recent studies have revealed MEF2 to form an intimate partnership with class IIa histone deacetylases, which together function as a point of convergence of multiple epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. We review the myriad roles of MEF2 in development and the mechanisms through which it couples developmental, physiological and pathological signals with programs of cell-specific transcription.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4131-4140
Number of pages10
JournalDevelopment
Volume134
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

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