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Expression of c-maf and mafB genes in the skin during rat embryonic development

Akihiko Ogata1, Tadamichi Shimizu, Riichiro Abe

  • 1Department of Neurology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.

Acta Histochemica
|March 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The maf oncogene family members, c-maf and mafB, are crucial for embryonic skin development. Their expression is detected in developing epidermis and hair follicles during embryonic stages, indicating a role in skin formation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The maf oncogene (v-maf) is linked to cancer and cellular differentiation.
  • Maf family genes play significant roles in embryonic development across various tissues.
  • Previous studies show maf gene expression in spleen, kidney, lens, and liver.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the expression patterns of c-maf and mafB genes in embryonic skin.
  • To investigate the role of c-maf and mafB in the development of epidermis and hair follicles.

Main Methods:

  • In situ hybridization was used to detect gene expression.
  • Analysis focused on embryonic skin from day 15 onwards.
  • Expression levels were examined in specific cell types like basal keratinocytes and hair germs.

Main Results:

  • c-maf mRNA expression was first observed on embryonic day 16 in the basal layer of the developing epidermis.
  • High expression of c-maf was detected in basal keratinocytes and developing hair germs by embryonic day 19.
  • MafB exhibited similar expression patterns to c-maf.
  • c-maf expression diminished in the epidermis and hair follicles by postnatal day 3.

Conclusions:

  • c-maf and mafB are expressed in specific patterns during embryonic skin development.
  • These findings suggest that c-maf and mafB are involved in the embryonic development of the epidermis and hair follicles.

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