Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
Published on: August 24, 2013
Developmental patterning genes and their conserved functions: from model organisms to humans
A Veraksa1, M Del Campo, W McGinnis
1Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA.
Abstract:
Molecular and genetic evidence accumulated during the past 20 years in the field of developmental biology indicates that different animals possess many common genetic systems for embryonic patterning. In this review we describe the conserved functions of such developmental patterning genes and their relevance for human pathological conditions. Special attention is given to the Hox genetic system, involved in establishing cell identities along the anterior-posterior axis of all higher metazoans. We also describe other conserved genetic systems, such as the involvement of Pax6 genes in eye development and the role of Nkx2.5-type proteins in heart development. Finally, we outline some fascinating problems at the forefront of the studies of developmental patterning genes and show how knowledge obtained from model genetic organisms such as Drosophila helps to explain normal human morphogenesis and the genetic basis of some birth defects.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Families
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
Conservation of Protein Domains Over Different Proteins
A limited set of protein domains often duplicate and recombine during evolution. These domains can be organized in different combinations to form...
Conserved Binding Sites
Binding sites are often located in large pockets, and if their location on a protein’s surface is unknown, it can be predicted using various approaches. The energetic method computationally analyses the...
Cis-regulatory Sequences
Multi-species Conserved Sequences
Although the genome of each species varies greatly from each other, a few sequences are highly conserved. Such conserved DNA...
General Transcription Factors

