Although the genetic regulation of cellular differentiation processes is well established, recent studies have revealed the role of mechanotransduction on a variety of biological processes, including regulation of gene expression. However, it remains unclear how universal and widespread mechanotransduction is in embryonic development of animals. Here, we investigate mechanosensitive gene expression during gastrulation of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, a cnidarian model organism. We show that the blastoporal marker gene brachyury is down-regulated by blocking myosin II-dependent gastrulation movements. Brachyury expression can be restored by applying external mechanical force. Using CRISPR/Cas9 and morpholino antisense technology, we also show that mechanotransduction leading to brachyury expression is β-catenin dependent, similar to recent findings in fish and Drosophila [Brunet T, et al. (2013) Nat Commun 4:1–15]. Finally, we demonstrate that prolonged application of mechanical stress on the embryo leads to ectopic brachyury expression. Thus, our data indicate that β-catenin–dependent mechanotransduction is an ancient gene regulatory mechanism, which was present in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians, at least 600 million years ago.

尽管已经很好地确定了细胞分化过程的遗传调控，但是最近的研究揭示了机械转导在包括基因表达调控在内的多种生物学过程中的作用。但是，尚不清楚在动物的胚胎发育中机械转导的普遍性和广泛性。在这里，我们调查了雏鸟海葵线虫Nematostella vectensis（一种刺胞模型生物）的胃化过程中的机械敏感基因表达。我们显示，通过阻断肌球蛋白II依赖的胃动运动，下胚层标记基因brachyury被下调。Brachyury可以通过施加外力来恢复表情。使用CRISPR / Cas9和吗啉代反义技术，我们还显示了导致短波尿菌表达的机械转导是β-catenin依赖性的，类似于最近在鱼类和果蝇中的发现[Brunet T等。（2013）Nat Commun 4：1-15]。最后，我们证明了在胚胎上长时间施加机械应力会导致异位腕膜上皮表达。因此，我们的数据表明，依赖β-连环蛋白的机械转导是一种古老的基因调节机制，至少在6亿年前，这种机制存在于下颌骨和下颌骨的共同祖先中。