Abstract
We have isolated a novel otx-like homeobox gene, Crx, from the mouse retina. Crx expression is restricted to developing and mature photoreceptor cells. CRX bound and transactivated the sequence TAATCC/A, which is found upstream of several photoreceptor-specific genes, including the opsin genes from many species. Overexpression of Crx using a retroviral vector increased the frequency of clones containing exclusively rod photoreceptors and reduced the frequency of clones containing amacrine interneurons and Müller glial cells. In addition, presumptive photoreceptor cells expressing a dominant-negative form of CRX failed to form proper photoreceptor outer segments and terminals. Crx is a novel photoreceptor-specific transcription factor and plays a crucial role in the differentiation of photoreceptor cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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3T3 Cells
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation
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Cloning, Molecular
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DNA / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
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Genes, Homeobox / genetics*
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Genetic Vectors / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Interneurons / metabolism
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Moloney murine leukemia virus / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Neuroglia
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Organ Specificity
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Otx Transcription Factors
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Peptide Fragments / genetics
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Photoreceptor Cells / cytology
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Photoreceptor Cells / metabolism*
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Rats
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Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / cytology
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Retinol-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Trans-Activators / genetics*
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Trans-Activators / metabolism
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Transcriptional Activation
Substances
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Otx Transcription Factors
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Peptide Fragments
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RNA, Messenger
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Retinol-Binding Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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cone rod homeobox protein
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interphotoreceptor-retinoid binding protein (1158-1180)
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DNA