Mirror-image duplication of the primary axis and heart in Xenopus embryos by the overexpression of Msx-1 gene.
The Msx-1 gene (formerly known as Hox-7) is a member of a discrete subclass of homeobox-containing genes. Examination of the expression pattern of Msx-1 in murine and avian embryos suggests that this gene may be involved in the regionalization of the medio-lateral axis during earlier development. We have examined the possible functions of Xenopus Msx-1 during early Xenopus embryonic development by overexpression of the Msx-1 gene. Overexpression of Msx-1 causes a left-right mirror-image duplication of primary axial structures, including notochord, neural tube, somites, suckers, and foregut. The embryonic developing heart is also mirror-image duplicated, including looping directions and polarity. These results indicate that Msx-1 may be involved in the mesoderm formation as well as left-right patterning in the early Xenopus embryonic development.
Chen
Y
Y
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Solursh
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M
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D051957:MSX1 Transcription Factor; D008648:Mesoderm; D008845:Microinjections; D009672:Notochord / Q000196:embryology*; D012313:RNA / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014157:Transcription Factors; D014981:Xenopus / Q000196:embryology; D029867:Xenopus Proteins
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D051957:MSX1 Transcription Factor; C497996:MSX1 protein, Xenopus; D014157:Transcription Factors; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA