The Xdbx gene is a direct target of zic1 in early neurula stage [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Homeobox gens play an important role in the embryonic development of both vertebrates and invertebrates. They encode transcriptional factors that act to specify spatial domains within the developing embryo. dbx genes encode a family of homeodomain transcription factors that define an intermediate spinal progenitor domain. This gene family has multiple functions in spinal cord development. zic genes encode zinc finger transcription factors, homologous to odd-paired in Drosophila. The zic1 gene plays a role in the development of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB). zic1 is expressed at the lateral edges of the neural plate and in the dorsal neural tube. In particular, zic1 is expressed in midbrain and hindbrain regions during early neurula stages and later extends along the dorsal spinal cord. In this study Xenops laevis dbx (Xdbx) proved to be a direct downstream target of Zic1 transcription factor using RT-PCR, Real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. Xdbx is expressed in a bilaterally symmetsymmetric stripe that lies at the middle of the mediolateral axis of the neural plate. This expression overlaps the expression domain of zic1 gene, indicating that Xdbx is upregulated by Zic1 transcription factor.

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