Premium
Evidence for the differential regulation of Nkx‐6.1 expression in the ventral spinal cord and foregut by Shh ‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms
Author(s) -
Cai Jun,
Xu Xiaohua,
Yin Huliang,
Wu Rachel,
Modderman Geoffrey,
Chen YiPing,
Jensen Jan,
Hui ChiChung,
Qiu Mengsheng
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
genesis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.093
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1526-968X
pISSN - 1526-954X
DOI - 10.1002/1526-968x(200005)27:1<6::aid-gene20>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - foregut , spinal cord , biology , differential (mechanical device) , anatomy , neuroscience , expression (computer science) , computer science , physics , programming language , thermodynamics
Summary: The Nkx‐6.1 homeodomain transcription factor was previously shown to be expressed in ventral neural progenitor cells and subsequently subsets of unidentified motor neurons during early neural development. In this study, we identify a specific subpopulation of motor neurons, the median half of the lateral motor neuron column (LMCm), that retain a strong expression of Nkx‐6.1 . In addition, we report novel patterns of Nkx‐6.1 expression in several mesenchymal tissues surrounding Sonic hedgehog ( Shh )‐expressing cells, including ventral spinal meninges, esophageal mesenchyme, and dorsal tracheal mesenchyme. Whereas Shh signaling is required for Nkx‐6.1 expression in the ventral neural tube and spinal meninges, an Shh ‐independent pathway appears to operate in regulating Nkx‐6.1 expression in the foregut. The persistent and robust expression of Nkx‐6.1 in motor neurons and mesenchymal cells suggests an important role for Nkx‐6.1 in controlling cell fate specification and differentiation. genesis 27:6–11, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.