Localization of a nervous system-specific class II beta-tubulin gene in Xenopus laevis embryos by whole-mount in situ hybridization.

A neural-specific beta-tubulin mRNA is expressed in the developing central nervous system shown by whole-mount in situ hybridization experiments. Of special interest is the fact that from the late blastula (stage 9; Nieuwkoop and Faber, 1967; Hausen and Ribesell, 1991) until the early neurula (stage 13) the signal can be found not only in the presumptive neural plate but also in the presumptive epidermis. Later in development (from stage 13) the specific mRNA becomes restricted to the presumptive brain and spinal cord area. The results are discussed in the context of predisposition and (pre)determination.