Dr. James Shen identified function of a mammalian head-size-regulating gene ZFP568 in embryo development

Dr. James Shen have found that ZFP568 regulates the mouse embryo development, in part by repressing the transcription of the maternally imprinted gene insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in the placenta and embryonic stem cells (ESC) through binding at a specific site in the placenta-specific promoter (Igf2-PO).

Previous works from Dr. Shen suggest that ZFP568 regulates the head size of mammals including human. In the present study, Dr. Shen have found that ZFP568 also regulates the mouse embryo development, in part by repressing the transcription of the maternally imprinted gene insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in the placenta and embryonic stem cells (ESC) through binding at a specific site in the placenta-specific promoter (Igf2-PO). This study demonstrates a new functional role of ZFP568 in placenta mammals, i.e. the highly selective/ precise restriction of Igf2 expression in the placenta and ESC, in addition to its regulation of the head size. The study has set a platform for future analysis of the function of ZFP568 in gene regulation in the neuron stem cells.