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Updated: May 9, 2026
Stem cell-like Xenopus Embryonic Explants to Study Early Neural Developmental Features In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 2, 2016
sox4 and sox11 function during Xenopus laevis eye development
Wiebke Cizelsky1, Annemarie Hempel, Marlen Metzig
1Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
Abstract:
SoxC genes are involved in many developmental processes such as cardiac, lymphoid, and bone development. The SoxC gene family is represented by Sox4, Sox11, and Sox12. Loss of either Sox4 or Sox11 function is lethal during mouse embryogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that sox4 and sox11 are strongly expressed in the developing eye, heart as well as brain in Xenopus laevis. Morpholino oligonucleotide mediated knock-down approaches in anterior neural tissue revealed that interference with either Sox4 or Sox11 function affects eye development. A detailed analysis demonstrated strong effects on eye size and retinal lamination. Neural induction was unaffected upon Sox4 or Sox11 MO injection and early eye field differentiation and cell proliferation were only mildly affected. Depletion of both genes, however, led independently to a significant increase in cell apoptosis in the eye. In summary, Sox4 and Sox11 are required for Xenopus visual system development.
Insights
Sox4 and Sox11 genes are crucial for Xenopus eye development. Their disruption impacts eye size, retinal lamination, and increases cell apoptosis, highlighting their essential roles in visual system formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- SoxC genes, including Sox4, Sox11, and Sox12, are vital for embryonic development.
- Loss of Sox4 or Sox11 function is lethal in mouse embryos.
- Sox4 and Sox11 show strong expression in the developing eye, heart, and brain of Xenopus laevis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Sox4 and Sox11 in the development of the visual system in Xenopus laevis.
- To determine the effects of Sox4 and Sox11 depletion on eye development and related processes.
Main Methods:
- Morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown of Sox4 and Sox11 in anterior neural tissue.
- Analysis of eye development, including eye size and retinal lamination.
- Assessment of neural induction, eye field differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Interference with Sox4 or Sox11 function significantly affects eye development in Xenopus.
- Strong effects observed on eye size and retinal lamination.
- Depletion of both Sox4 and Sox11 independently led to increased apoptosis in the developing eye, while neural induction and early differentiation were only mildly affected.
Conclusions:
- Sox4 and Sox11 are essential for normal visual system development in Xenopus laevis.
- These genes play critical roles in regulating eye size, retinal structure, and preventing cell death during eye development.
