Characterizing Mesp1-Eomes interaction in cardiac progenitor cells (360G-Wellcome-211833_Z_18_Z)

The embryonic bHLH transcription factor, Mesp1, is a master regulator of cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) fate. Upregulation of Mesp1 in mouse embryonic stem cells induces cardiac cell fates. However, depending on the conditions, Mesp1 can also induce hematopoietic or skeletal muscle fates. Many bHLH factors, including Mesp1, require dimerization partners for their activity. However, few Mesp1 interacting partners have been identified, and whether such factors control Mesp1’s ability to regulate cardiac versus other fates has not been investigated. Further characterisation is required to understand how CPCs form and improve methods of generating cardiac cells for regenerative medicine applications. This proposal aims to confirm preliminary data that suggest Mesp1 and Eomes physically interact during CPC formation.