Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

10:23
Genome-wide Snapshot of Chromatin Regulators and States in Xenopus Embryos by ChIP-Seq
Published on: February 26, 2015
Expression pattern of novel chick T-box gene, Tbx20
1Department of Bioscience, National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan.
Development Genes and Evolution
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Researchers identified the chick Tbx20 gene, crucial for early heart development. This T-box gene is expressed in the cardiac mesoderm, showing co-expression with Nkx2.5, a key cardiac marker.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The molecular mechanisms governing early cardiac mesoderm specification remain largely unknown.
- Identifying regulatory factors is crucial for understanding heart development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the chick H15-related T-box gene (Tbx20).
- To analyze the expression pattern of chick Tbx20 during early embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Gene isolation and sequencing to identify chick Tbx20.
- Whole-mount in situ hybridization to determine gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Chick Tbx20 exhibits high homology to its counterparts in humans, mice, and zebrafish.
- Tbx20 expression initiates in the posterior lateral mesoderm and subsequently expands anteriorly.
- Tbx20 is intensively co-expressed with the cardiogenic gene Nkx2.5 in the anterior lateral mesoderm.
Conclusions:
- Chick Tbx20 is a key regulatory factor involved in early heart specification.
- The expression pattern of Tbx20 suggests its critical role in cardiac mesoderm development and patterning.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Determination
During embryogenesis, cells become progressively committed to different fates through a two-step process: specification followed by determination. Specification is demonstrated by removing a segment of an early embryo, “neutrally” culturing the tissue in vitro—for example, in a petri dish with simple medium—and then observing the derivatives. If the cultured region gives rise to cell types that it would normally generate in the embryo, this means that it is specified. In contrast, determination...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
General Transcription Factors
Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...

