Slug mRNA is expressed by specific mesodermal derivatives during rodent organogenesis

We describe the expression pattern of the zinc-finger protein slug during rat and mouse embryonic development. Expression was mostly confined to migratory neural crest cells and several mesodermal derivatives. We could not detect slug expression in premigratory rodent neural crest cells, unlike previously studied vertebrates; the earliest substantial expression of slug was found in migratory cranial neural crest cells invading the first branchial arch. Their derivatives, comprising most of the craniofacial region, continued to express slug. Concomitantly, slug was expressed in sclerotome precursor cells prior to their separation from the differentiating somites. During organogenesis, slug was expressed in mesenchymal components of lung, digestive tract, meso- and metanephros until late stages. Slug was also found in mesenchymal cells undergoing cartilage and bone differentiation. Expression was down-regulated in parallel with chondrocyte phenotypic differentiation. Overall, slug appeared to be expressed by mesenchymal cells at predifferentiation stages involving cell migration and phenotype modulation. Expression was generally down-regulated afterwards. However, residual slug mRNA was found in several adult tissues, including liver and lung.