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Segment-specific expression of the gap junction gene connexin31 during hindbrain development
Edgar Dahl1, Klaus Willecke2, R Balling1
1Institute for Mammalian Genetics, GSF-National Research Centre for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany, , , , , , DE.
Abstract:
During segmentation of the mouse hindbrain (d8.0-8.5 pc), expression of the gap junction gene connexin31 (cx31) is precisely restricted to rhombomeres (r) 3 and 5. Shortly afterwards, during the turning process, cx31 expression in rhombomere 3 decreases and is no longer detectable at d9.5 pc, whereas expression in rhombomere 5 is maintained until about d10.0 pc. So far, cx31 is the first gap junction gene found to be expressed in rhombomeres. Its precise segmental and temporal expression pattern may reflect a critical requirement of cx31 channels for these odd numbered rhombomeres to acquire distinct cell identities.
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