Association of Smads with lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1/T cell-specific factor mediates cooperative signaling by the transforming growth factor-β and Wnt pathways

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) and Wnt/wingless pathways play pivotal roles in tissue specification during development. Activation of Smads, the effecters of TCF beta superfamily signals, results in Smad translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where they act as transcriptional comodulators to regulate target gene expression. Wnt/wingless signals are mediated by the DNA-binding HMG box transcription factors lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1/T cell-specific factor (LEF1/TCF) and their coactivator beta-catenin. Herein, we show that Smad3 physically interacts with the HMG box domain of LEF1 and that TGF beta and Wnt pathways synergize to activate transcription of the Xenopus homeobox gene twin (Xtwn). Disruption of specific Smad and LEF1/TCF DNA-binding sites in the promoter abrogates synergistic activation of the promoter. Consistent with this observation, introduction of Smad sites into a TCF beta-insensitive LEF1/TCF target gene confers cooperative TCF beta and Wnt responsiveness to the promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrate that TCF beta-dependent activation of LEF1/TCF target genes can occur in the absence of beta-catenin binding to LEF1/TCF and requires both Smad and LEF1/TCF DNA-binding sites in the Xtwn promoter. Thus, our results show that TGF beta and Wnt signaling pathways can independently or cooperatively regulate LEF1/TCF target genes and suggest a model for how these pathways can synergistically activate target genes.