Evolving locomotion with Hoxc9.
Limb innervation is established by opposing Hox-dependent activities. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Jung et al. (2014) show that Hoxc9 restriction of Foxp1, high levels of which specify limb-innervating motor neurons, first appeared in vertebrates concomitantly with paired appendages. Spatial control of this activity shapes neural networks controlling locomotion patterns.
Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal. Electronic address: mallo@igc.gulbenkian.pt.
Moisés
M
Mallo
D000818:Animals; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000502:physiology*; D008124:Locomotion / Q000235:genetics*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*