Expression of runt in the mouse embryo.
The Drosophila runt locus controls early events in embryogenesis. A human homologue (CBFA2) was originally identified because of its involvement in the t(8;21) associated with a subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia. The phylogenetically conserved region (runt box) was reported to correspond to a DNA binding domain. In order to investigate whether runt also plays a role in mammalian development, we have conducted a preliminary survey of its expression in the mouse embryo. Expression in embryonic tissues was detected starting from day 9.2 post coitum. From day 10.5 post coitum, highest levels are found in the neural tube, sensory ganglia, specialised sensory epithelial structures (olfactory and gustatory mucosa, follicles of the vibrissae), all chondrogenic centres (both of neural crest and of mesodermal origin), and the genital system (the gonad, the paramesonephros, and the genital tubercle). Unambiguous expression in the haemopoietic system could be established for the thymus. The data suggest a pleiotropic role for mammalian runt in embryogenesis.
Simeone
A
A
Department of Haematology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Daga
A
A
Calabi
F
F
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004330:Drosophila / Q000235:genetics; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D015335:Molecular Probes; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011247:Pregnancy; D014157:Transcription Factors
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D015335:Molecular Probes; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors; C080833:run protein, Drosophila