Genetic interaction between Lef1 and Alx4 is required for early embryonic development

Lymphoid Enhancer Factor-1 (Lef1) facilitates the assembly of transcriptional regulatory complexes and mediates nuclear responses to Wnt signals. We determined previously that the mesenchymally restricted, paired-like homeodomain protein Aristaless-like 4 (Alx4) interacts with Lef1 and together alters promoter activity of candidate genes. In order to define their overlapping functions, mice deficient for both Lef1 and AIx4 activity (Lef1(-/-)/AIx4(IstD/IsD)) were produced. Whereas embryos lacking either Lef1 or AM activity remain viable up to or after birth, early embryonic lethality results when both factors were absent. No viable Lef1(-/-)/AIx4(IstD/IsD) embryos were recovered beyond 9.5 dpc. Between E8.5 and E10, viable Lef1(-/-)/AIx4(IstD/IsD) embryos were developmentally delayed 0.5 days relative to littermates of all other genotypes, Principle among the alterations seen in Lef1(-/-)/AIx4(IstD/IsD) animals was defective vasculature in both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In the yolk sac, while the vascular network is present, it were greatly diminished and large vitelline vessels were largely absent. Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) staining revealed that the major vessels in the head of compound mutant embryos were absent, while the other vessels were finer than those seen in normal littermates. Pools of blood and pericardial effusion were also apparent in Lef1(-/-)/AIx4(IstD/IsD) animals, further indicative of a defective vasculature. These data confirm genetically the interaction between Lef1 and AIx4 and further reveal unknown, overlapping roles for these transcription factors in embryonic vasculogenesis.