title: Segment-specific expression of the gap junction gene connexin31 during hindbrain development.
abstract: During segmentation of the mouse hindbrain (d8.0-8.5 pc), expression of the gap junction gene connexin31 (cx31) is precisely restricted to rhombomeres (r) 3 and 5. Shortly afterwards, during the turning process, cx31 expression in rhombomere 3 decreases and is no longer detectable at d9.5 pc, whereas expression in rhombomere 5 is maintained until about d10.0 pc. So far, cx31 is the first gap junction gene found to be expressed in rhombomeres. Its precise segmental and temporal expression pattern may reflect a critical requirement of cx31 channels for these odd numbered rhombomeres to acquire distinct cell identities.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Mammalian Genetics, GSF-National Research Centre for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany, , , , , , DE.
authors.forename: Edgar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.affiliation: Institute for Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, Römerstrasse 164, University of Bonn, D-53117 Bonn, Germany, , , , , , DE.
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Willecke
authors.affiliation: Institute for Mammalian Genetics, GSF-National Research Centre for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany, , , , , , DE.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Balling
keywords: Communication compartment; Gap junctions; Key words Rhombomere; connexin31