Gont L K, Fainsod A, Kim S H, De Robertis E M
Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1737, USA.
Dev Biol. 1996 Feb 25;174(1):174-8. doi: 10.1006/dbio.1996.0061.
Xnot-2 is a homeobox gene expressed in Spemann's organizer. Here we present evidence that microinjection of synthetic Xnot-2 mRNA leads to the formation of notochord. Microinjection into the dorsal side of the Xenopus embryo results in greatly expanded notochords. Nearby somitic and prechordal mesoderm becomes recruited into these enlarged notochords, which also affect CNS patterning. Two early genes expressed in the developing notochord, chd and XFKH-1, are activated by Xnot-2. We conclude that gain-of-function of Xnot-2 promotes notochord formation.
Xnot-2是一种在施佩曼组织者中表达的同源框基因。在此我们提供证据表明，显微注射合成的Xnot-2 mRNA会导致脊索的形成。将其显微注射到非洲爪蟾胚胎的背侧会导致脊索大幅扩展。附近的体节中胚层和前索中胚层会被招募到这些扩大的脊索中，这也会影响中枢神经系统的模式形成。在发育中的脊索中表达的两个早期基因chd和XFKH-1会被Xnot-2激活。我们得出结论，Xnot-2的功能获得会促进脊索的形成。
