EXPRESSION OF HOMEOBOX CONTAINING GENES DURING EARLY XENOPUS DEVELOPMENT

含有同源异型盒的基因是一个基因家族， 果蝇在发育过程中控制图案的形成。 这些基因 编码以序列特异性方式与DNA结合的蛋白质。 他们 含有一个180 bp的保守DNA结构域，称为同源框。 我们有 分离出几个含有同源框的基因，这些基因在 早期爪蟾的发育 我们已经确定了他们的时间和 使用北方印迹分析和原位分析空间表达模式 杂交方法 这些基因中至少有一部分在 原肠胚形成，中胚层发育的关键时期， 神经诱导发生。 这些基因的序列分析 发现其中一些与先前描述的基因同源 在其他物种如老鼠和果蝇中， 介绍了 其中一个基因与果蝇同源 Distal-less基因可能参与肢体的形成， 再生 此外，我们还发现了一个新的基因家族， 具有与同源异型盒基因相似的功能。 它们包含一个保守的 DNA结合动机-叉头盒。 我们的经验表明， 基因参与神经板的区域化， 中胚层 该项目的最终目标是了解 正常的发育模式已经建立，哪些基因起作用， 在这个过程中的关键作用。 了解青蛙的这些过程 能让我们更好地了解 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.