EXPRESSION OF HOMEOBOX CONTAINING GENES DURING EARLY XENOPUS DEVELOPMENT

包含基因的同源框是一个基因家族，已经在 果蝇在发育过程中控制图案的形成。这些基因 编码蛋白质，以序列特定的方式与DNA结合。他们 含有一个180个碱基的保守DNA结构域，称为同源异型盒。我们有 分离了几个同源异型盒，这些同源盒包含在 非洲爪哇的早期发展。我们已经确定了他们的时间和 Northern印迹分析和原位杂交的空间表达模式 杂交。这些基因中至少有一部分是在 原肠胚形成，是中胚层发育的关键时期 神经感应就会发生。这些基因的序列分析 揭示了其中一些基因与先前描述的基因同源 在其他物种中，如老鼠和果蝇，其他物种还没有 描述。与果蝇同源的基因之一 远端非末端基因可能参与肢体的形成和 再生。此外，我们还发现了一个新的基因家族，它 具有与同源异型盒基因相似的功能。它们包含一种保守的 DNA绑定动机--叉头盒。我们的经验表明，这些 基因参与了神经板的区域化以及 中胚层。该项目的最终目标是了解 建立了正常的发育模式，哪些基因在 在这一过程中发挥关键作用。对青蛙体内这些过程的理解 将使我们更好地了解发育畸形 人类。

Homeobox containing genes are a family of genes which have been shown in Drosophila to control pattern formation during development. These genes encode proteins which bind to DNA in a sequence specific manner. They contain a 180 bp conserved DNA domain called a homeobox. We have isolated several homeobox containing genes which are activated during early Xenopus development. We have determined their temporal and spatial expression pattern using Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. At least some of these genes are expressed during gastrulation, a critical time period of development at which mesodermal and neural induction takes place. Sequence analysis of these genes revealed that some of them are homologous to previously described genes in other species such as mouse and Drosophila, others have not yet been described. One of the genes which is homologous to the Drosophila Distal-less gene is likely to be involved in limb formation and regeneration. In addition, we have identified a novel gene family which has a similar function as the homeobox genes. They contain a conserved DNA binding motive - the fork head box. Our experiences show that these genes are involved in the regionalization of neural plate as well as mesoderm. The ultimate goal of the project is to understand how the normal development pattern is established and which of the genes play a critical role in this process. Understanding of these processes in frog will give us a better understanding of developmental malformations in humans.