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The homeobox leucine zipper gene Homez plays a role in Xenopus laevis neurogenesis.
- Source :
-
Biochemical and biophysical research communications [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] 2011 Nov 11; Vol. 415 (1), pp. 11-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Oct 06. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- The Homez gene encodes a protein with three atypical homeodomains and two leucine zipper motifs of unknown function. Here we show that during neurula stages, Xenopus Homez is broadly expressed throughout the neural plate, the strongest expression being detected in the domains where primary neurons arise. At later stages, Homez is maintained throughout the central nervous system in differentiating progenitors. In accordance with this expression, Homez is positively regulated by neural inducers and by Ngnr1 and negatively by Notch signaling. Interference with Homez function in embryos by injection of an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide results in the specific disruption of the expression of late neuronal markers, without affecting the expression of earlier neuronal and early neurectodermal markers. Consistent with this finding, Homez inhibition also interferes with the expression of late neuronal markers in Ngnr1 overexpressing animal cap explants and in Notch inhibited embryos. In gain of function experiments, Homez inhibits the expression of late neuronal markers but has no effect on earlier ones. These data suggest a role for Homez in neuronal development downstream of proneural/neurogenic genes.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Homeodomain Proteins genetics
Neural Plate metabolism
Transcription Factors genetics
Xenopus Proteins genetics
Xenopus laevis genetics
Homeodomain Proteins physiology
Leucine Zippers
Neurogenesis genetics
Transcription Factors physiology
Xenopus Proteins physiology
Xenopus laevis embryology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1090-2104
- Volume :
- 415
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Biochemical and biophysical research communications
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22001922
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.09.138