Fig. 10. Model for the role of the JING Zn-finger transcription factor in CNS midline and tracheal cell differentiation. Heterodimers of TGO:SIM and TGO:TRH may bind to the CMEs in the 5' regulatory region of jing. In the CNS midline, the SOX HMG protein Dichaete (FISH in the figure) may also bind its target site, TACAAT, to promote jing transcription. JING enters the nucleus of CNS midline and tracheal cells where it may perform a regulatory role. This regulatory role is required for the differentiation and survival of CNS midline and tracheal precursors, possibly through the control of EGFR signaling and/or other uncharacterized survival factors. Alternatively, jing may function to maintain the transcriptional output initiated by bHLH-PAS, POU and SOX regulatory molecules, and failure to do so results in cell death. JING function is required throughout CNS midline and tracheal development for the formation of a functional central nervous system and tracheal tubule network. Question marks denote that direct interactions have not been demonstrated.
