Role of the TAK1-NLK-STAT3 pathway in TGF-β-mediated mesoderm induction

Bisei Ohkawara, Kyoko Shirakabe, Junko Hyodo-Miura, Ritsuko Matsuo, Naoto Ueno, Kunihiro Matsumoto, Hiroshi Shibuya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

92 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and Nemo-like kinase (NLK) function in Xenopus, Drosophila, and Caenorhabditis elegans development. Here we report that serine phosphorylation of STAT3 induced by TAK1-NLK cascade is essential for TGF-β-mediated mesoderm induction in Xenopus embryo. Depletion of TAK1, NLK, or STAT3 blocks TGF-β-mediated mesoderm induction. Coexpression of NLK and STAT3 induces mesoderm by a mechanism that requires serine phosphorylation of STAT3. Activin activates NLK, which in turn directly phosphorylates STAT3. Moreover, depletion of either TAK1 or NLK inhibits endogenous serine phosphorylation of STAT3. These results provide the first evidence that TAK1-NLK-STAT3 cascade participates in TGF-β-mediated mesoderm induction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)381-386
Number of pages6
JournalGenes and Development
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004 Feb 15
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Mesoderm induction
  • NLK
  • STAT3
  • TAK1
  • TGF-β signal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Developmental Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of the TAK1-NLK-STAT3 pathway in TGF-β-mediated mesoderm induction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this