Abstract
In zebrafish, gbx1 and otx2 are among the earliest genes expressed in the neuroectoderm, dividing it into an anterior and a posterior domain with a common border that marks the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) primordium. Here, we describe the sequence and expression pattern of Gbx1 in mouse. The first transcripts are found at embryonic day 7.75 in the hindbrain. Later on, expression of Gbx1 is detectable in the hindbrain (rhombomeres 2 to 7), spinal cord, optic vesicles, and in the ventral telencephalon. In mouse, Gbx1 expression is not observed at the MHB as is the case during early zebrafish development. We suggest that an evolutionary switch occurred: in mouse Gbx2 is involved in the early specification of the MHB primordium, whereas in zebrafish, gbx1 is required instead of gbx2.
Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Early Growth Response Protein 2
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Embryonic and Fetal Development / genetics
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Embryonic and Fetal Development / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / physiology*
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Genes, Homeobox*
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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In Situ Hybridization
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Morphogenesis / genetics
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Organ Specificity
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Sequence Alignment
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Zebrafish Proteins
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Early Growth Response Protein 2
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Egr2 protein, mouse
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Gbx1 protein, mouse
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Gbx2 protein, mouse
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HOXB1 homeodomain protein
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Zebrafish Proteins
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gbx2 protein, zebrafish