Expression of the homeotic gene Hox-d13 in the developing and adult mouse prostate.

PURPOSE

To examine expression of the homeotic gene Hox-d13 in the developing mouse prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression was assayed by Northern analysis, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Expression is present in the urogenital sinus in late gestation and is localized postnatally in the urethral epithelium and prostatic ducts. Expression continues throughout development and persists in the adult prostate.

CONCLUSION

A restricted domain of Hox-d13 expression in the developing urogenital tract is consistent with the role of the Hox genes in specifying regional identity during development. Expression in the prostate postnatally suggests additional roles in prostate ductal morphogenesis and/or cell differentiation.