title: Alx-4: cDNA cloning and characterization of a novel paired-type homeodomain protein.
abstract: Homeodomain containing transcription factors serve important functions in patterning the embryo during vertebrate development. We have isolated cDNA clones encoding a novel protein, named Alx-4, that contains a paired-type homeodomain. Analysis of the homeodomain sequence shows that Alx-4 belongs to a family of genes that are related to the Drosophila gene aristaless, and includes the mammalian genes Alx3, Cart-1, MHox, and S8. We have analyzed the expression of Alx-4 during development by Northern blot and whole mount in situ hybridization. In addition, we have generated antibodies to recombinant Alx-4 protein and identified Alx-4 protein in nuclear extracts prepared from mouse embryos. The expression pattern of Alx-4 suggests that it may play a role in the patterning of structures derived from craniofacial mesenchyme, the first branchial arch, and the limb bud. Our results provide a starting point for the analysis of a new member of the family of paired type homeodomain proteins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wisdom
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016415:Sequence Alignment; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
chemical_list: C109218:Alx4 protein, mouse; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011994:Recombinant Proteins