Transcription of homeobox-containing genes detected in cDNA libraries derived from human unfertilized oocytes and preimplantation embryos.
Genes containing the evolutionarily conserved homeodomain sequence encode a family of DNA-binding transcription factors whose functions are crucial for embryonic development in vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. We describe the detection and analysis of transcripts of homeobox-containing genes present in cDNA libraries generated from human unfertilized oocytes, single cleavage stage embryos (2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst) and a 10-week old whole fetus. Using degenerate primers derived from sequences within helix 1 and helix 3 of the highly conserved region of the ANTENNAPEDIA:-class homeodomain, a 166 bp band was detected in all the cDNA libraries tested. Subcloning of the oocyte-derived band revealed that it contained a heterogeneous group of 166 bp fragments. Sequence analysis of 40 independent clones demonstrated the presence of HOXA7, HOXD8, and HOXD1 sequences, the ubiquitously expressed POU family member, OCT1, and HEX, a homeotic gene expressed in haematopoietic cells.
Adjaye
J
J
Molecular Medicine Unit, Molecular Embryology Unit, Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
Monk
M
M
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D015723:Gene Library; D005801:Genes, Homeobox; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D027702:Organic Cation Transporter 1; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D020539:Sequence Analysis, Protein; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018076:DNA, Complementary; C078492:HHEX protein, human; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D027702:Organic Cation Transporter 1; D014157:Transcription Factors; C075279:HOXD8 protein, human