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Expression and regulation of the Msx1 natural antisense transcript during development
Amélie E Coudert1, Laurence Pibouin, Brigitte Vi-Fane
1Laboratoire de Biologie Oro-Faciale et Pathologie, INSERM U 0714, Centre de recherches biomédicales des Cordeliers 15-21, rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France.
Nucleic Acids Research
|September 15, 2005
Summary
Antisense (AS) RNA plays a role in regulating Msx1 gene expression during mouse tooth development. This discovery adds complexity to craniofacial developmental biology by highlighting the involvement of endogenous AS RNAs.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Bidirectional transcription produces antisense (AS) RNA, complementary to sense (S) RNA, and is implicated in gene regulation.
- Homeobox genes, crucial for development, also exhibit bidirectional transcription, suggesting AS RNA involvement in their regulation.
- The Msx1 homeobox gene is vital for craniofacial and tooth development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo expression and regulation of Msx1 antisense transcripts during mouse tooth development.
- To compare the spatial and temporal patterns of Msx1 sense (S) RNA, AS RNA, and protein expression.
- To elucidate the role of AS RNA in the regulation of Msx1 during embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- In vivo analysis of Msx1 S transcripts, AS transcripts, and protein expression in mouse embryos (E9.5 to newborn).
- Comparison of expression patterns across different developmental stages and tissues.
- Investigation of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions influencing gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- The spatial and temporal expression patterns of Msx1 S, AS transcripts, and protein are consistent with AS RNA regulating Msx1 expression in specific developmental sites.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions were identified as key regulators of both S and AS RNA expression during early tooth patterning.
- Msx1 AS RNA expression was observed in timely controlled developmental sites crucial for incisor and molar formation.
Conclusions:
- This study confirms the involvement of Msx1 AS RNA in tooth development.
- The findings reveal a novel layer of complexity in craniofacial developmental biology, emphasizing the role of endogenous AS RNAs.
- Msx1 AS RNA represents a new regulatory mechanism in homeobox gene expression during embryonic development.