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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Understanding Early Organogenesis Using a Simplified In Situ Hybridization Protocol in Xenopus
Published on: January 12, 2015
Developmental expression of the Xenopus Nkx2-1 and Nkx2-4 genes
E M Small1, S A Vokes, R J Garriock
1Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
Abstract:
The homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2-1 (TTF-1) plays an essential role in the development of the thyroid, lung and ventral forebrain. We report the cloning and developmental expression patterns of two Xenopus NK-2 genes, Nkx2-1 and Nkx2-4, that are closely related to Nkx2-1. These genes show readily distinguishable expression patterns during development. Similar to its orthologues in chicken and mouse, the Xenopus Nkx2-1 gene is expressed in the developing thyroid, lung, and ventral forebrain. In contrast, expression of Nkx2-4 is specifically localized to the ventral diencephalon.
