Abstract
Xnot-2 is a homeobox gene expressed in Spemann's organizer. here we present evidence that microinjection of synthetic Xnot-2 mRNA leads to the formation of notochord. Microinjection into the dorsal side of the Xenopus embryo results in greatly expanded notochords. Nearby somitic and prechordal mesoderm becomes recruited into these enlarged notochords, which also affect CNS patterning. Two early genes expressed in the developing notochord, chd and XFKH-1, are activated by Xnot-2. We conclude that gain-of-function of Xnot-2 promotes notochord formation.
Original language | American English |
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Pages (from-to) | 174-178 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Developmental Biology |
Volume | 174 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1996 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We thank Bin Lu, Yoshiki Sasai, and Tewis Bouwmeester for advice and Anatalia Cuellar for technical assistance. This work was supported by the NIH (HD21502-10). E.D.R. is an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.