Related Experiment Videos
Emx and Otx homeobox genes in the developing mouse brain
E Boncinelli1, M Gulisano, V Broccoli
1DIBIT, Istituto Scientifico H. S. Raffaele, Milano, Italy.
Journal of Neurobiology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Four mouse homeobox genes (Emx1, Emx2, Otx1, Otx2) show sequential expression in the developing brain, suggesting a role in regional specification.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Homeobox genes play crucial roles in embryonic development.
- Specific homeobox genes are involved in the development of the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression patterns of four mouse homeobox genes (Emx1, Emx2, Otx1, Otx2) in the developing brain.
- To compare the expression domains and timing of these genes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression in E10 mouse embryos.
- Comparison of expression domains of Emx1, Emx2, Otx1, and Otx2.
Main Results:
- The four genes exhibit nested expression domains in the rostral brain: Emx1 < Emx2 < Otx1 < Otx2.
- Gene transcript appearance is sequential, starting with Otx2, followed by Otx1/Emx2, and then Emx1.
- Expression domains are continuous and nested within each other.
Conclusions:
- The sequential and nested expression patterns suggest a role for these genes in establishing embryonic brain region boundaries.
- These homeobox genes may be involved in signaling processes that define brain regionalization.