The comparative genomics of T-box genes.
T-box genes are defined by the presence of a conserved sequence, the so-called T-box; this codes for the T-domain, which is involved in DNA-binding and protein dimerisation. Members of this gene family have been found in all metazoans, from diploblasts to humans, and mutations in T-box gene family members in humans have been linked to several congenital disorders. Sequencing of the complete genomes of a range of invertebrate and vertebrate species has allowed the classification of individual T-box genes into five subfamilies: Brachyury, T-brain1, Tbx1, Tbx2 and Tbx6. This review will largely focus on T-box genes identified in organisms whose genomes have been fully sequenced, emphasising how comparative studies of the T-box gene family will help to reveal the roles of these genes during development and in the adult.
Minguillon
Carolina
C
Division of Developmental Biology, NIMR, London, UK.
Logan
Malcolm
M
D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D020825:T-Box Domain Proteins