PMID: 11902691Mar 21, 2002Paper

Conserved genetic mechanisms for embryonic brain patterning

The International Journal of Developmental Biology
Heinrich Reichert

Abstract

A wealth of comparative embryological studies on the expression and function of homeotic genes and cephalic gap genes indicates that both gene groups are important for establishing and specifying the anteroposterior body axis during embryogenesis in bilaterian animals. Recently, studies of this kind have been extended to embryonic brain development in two genetic model systems, Drosophila and mouse. These studies demonstrate striking similarities in the pattern of expression and mode of action of these developmental control genes during embryonic patterning of the brain in both species. Thus, in both insect and mammalian species, members of the homeotic gene complex are involved in patterning the posterior brain anlage, where they control regionalized neuronal identity, and members of the cephalic gap genes, notably the otd/Otx gene family, are involved in patterning the anterior brain anlage where they control regionalized neurogenesis and neuronal identity. Furthermore, striking cross-phylum rescue experiments show that insect and mammalian members of the orthodenticle gene family can functionally replace each other in embryonic brain and CNS patterning. Comparable cross-phylum rescue experiments have now also been carried ou...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.