Homeobox gene NKx2.2 and specification of neuronal identity by graded Sonic hedgehog signalling

Article Abstract:

An investigation of the pattern of neurogenesis in the ventral spinal cord and hindbrain of mice containing a mutation in the Nkx2.2 gene has provided evidence that Pax6 is not needed directly for specification of somatic motor neuron fate but acts through repression of Nkx2.2. It appears that Nkx2.2 expression in 'x'-domain progenitors suppresses their potential for somatic motor neuron generation. Nkx2.2 plays a vital part in interpreting graded Shh signalling and specifying the subtype identity of neurons generated from 'x'-domain progenitors.

Developmental neurology

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The Rx homeobox gene is esssential for vertebrate eye development

Article Abstract:

Rx, a conserved vertebrate homeobox gene, plays a vital role in normal eye development. When it is wrongly expressed, there can be significant implications for eye morphology. The Rx genes are first activated in a uniform field in the anterior dorsal region of gastrula-stage vertebrate embryos. Their expression is linked with the location of retinal stem cells, indicating that they play a key role in the survival of retinal progenitor cells.

Abnormalities, Vertebrates, Retina, Animal anatomy

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The homeobox gene Phox2b is essential for the development of autonomic neural crest derivatives

Article Abstract:

In mice lacking the homeodomain transcription factor Phox2b, all autonomic ganglia fail to form properly and degenerate. Phox2b is required for expression of the GDNF-receptor subunit Ret and to maintain Mash1 expression. Mutant ganglionic anlagen will not switch on the genes encoding two enzymes required for the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, dopamine-Beta-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase.

Neural crest, Homeobox genes

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