Splotch (Sp2H), a mutation affecting development of the mouse neural tube, shows a deletion within the paired homeodomain of Pax-3

Waardenburg syndrome in man and splotch mutants in the mouse: a paradigm of the usefulness of linkage and synteny homologies in mouse and man for the genetic analysis of human congenital malformations

The use of chromosomal segments with conserved homologous linkage groups found in different species provides one method of predicting the location of genes causing congenital malformations in man. For example, homology between man and mouse involves 241 homologous autosomal genes spread on 68 homologous chromosomal segments. In addition, the similarities of phenotypic expression of human congenital malformations and mouse mutations indicate the possible involvement of an homologous gene implicated during ontogeny of the two species. The identification of a single gene defect in the mouse and comparative mouse-human gene mapping provides therefore another approach for selecting candidate loci for inborn error of morphogenesis in man. Further molecular studies can then be performed to show that the loci are identical. The human Waardenburg syndrome and the splotch (Sp) mouse mutant represent the first example of the potential of this approach for the understanding of human congenital malformations at the molecular level.

Analysis of neural tube defects in a mouse mutant using whole embryo culture

The method of whole embryo culture permits a variety of experimental manipulations to be performed on the mammalian embryo. When used in conjunction with mouse mutants, this technique can provide information on the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the development of birth defects. To illustrate this approach, we review in vitro studies on the development of embryos homozygous for the mutation curly tail (ct). These studies have involved making repeated observations on individual embryos, performing surgical manipulations, applying environmental influences and metabolic labelling. As a result of this work, we have now partially elucidated the developmental sequence of events that precedes the appearance of spina bifida in the ct mutant.

A role for Pax-1 as a mediator of notochordal signals during the dorsoventral specification of vertebrae

The notochord plays an important role in the differentiation of the paraxial mesoderm and the neural tube. We have analyzed the role of the notochord in somite differentiation and subsequent formation of the vertebral column using a mouse mutant, Danforth's short-tail (Sd). In this mutant, the skeletal phenotype is most probably a result of degeneration and subsequent loss of the notochord. The Sd gene is known to interact with undulated (un), a sclerotome mutant. Double mutants between Sd and un alleles show an increase in the severity of the defects, mainly in the ventral parts of the vertebrae. We also show that part of the Sd phenotype is strikingly similar to that of the un alleles. As un is known to be caused by a mutation in the Pax-1 gene, we analyzed Pax-1 expression in Sd embryos. In Sd embryos, Pax-1 expression is reduced, providing a potential molecular basis for the genetic interaction observed. A complete loss of Pax-1 expression in morphologically intact mesenchyme was found in the lower thoracic-lumbar region, which is phenotypically very similar to the corresponding region in a Pax-1 null mutant, Undulated short-tail. The sclerotome developmental abnormalities in Sd coincide closely, both in time and space, with notochordal changes, as determined by whole-mount T antibody staining. These findings indicate that an intact notochord is necessary for normal Pax-1 expression in sclerotome cells, which is in turn required for the formation of the ventral parts of the vertebrae. The observed correlation among structural changes of the notochord, Pax-1 expression levels and skeletal phenotypes, suggests that Pax-1 might be an intrinsic mediator of notochordal signals during the dorsoventral specification of vertebrae.

Cooperative dimerization of paired class homeo domains on DNA

Homeo domain-containing proteins mediate many transcriptional processes in eukaryotes. Because nearly all animal homeo proteins are believed to bind to short, highly related DNA sequences, the basis for their high specificity of action is not understood. We show that cooperative dimerization on palindromic DNA sequences can provide increased specificity to one of the three major classes of homeo domains, the Paired/Pax class. The 60-amino-acid homeo domains from this class contain sufficient information to bind cooperatively as homo- and heterodimers to palindromic DNA sequences; that is, the binding of one homeo domain molecule can increase the affinity of a second molecule by up to 300-fold. Different members of the Paired (Prd) class of homeo domains prefer different spacings between half-sites, as determined by the ninth amino acid residue of the recognition helix. In addition, this residue determines the identity of the base pairs at the center of the palindromic sites, as well as the magnitude of the cooperative interaction. The cooperative dimerization of homeo domains in the Prd class distinguishes them from other classes, whereas binding-site configuration and sequence specificity allow for distinctions within this class.

Pax-2 is required for mesenchyme-to-epithelium conversion during kidney development

The conversion of mesenchyme to epithelium during the embryonic development of the mammalian kidney requires reciprocal inductive interactions between the ureter and the responding metanephric mesenchyme. The Pax-2 gene is activated in the mesenchyme in response to induction and is subsequently down-regulated in more differentiated cells derived from the mesenchyme. Pax-2 belongs to a family of genes, at least three of which encode morphogenetic regulatory transcription factors. In order to determine the role of Pax-2 during kidney development, we have generated a loss- of-function phenotype using antisense oligonucleotides in mouse kidney organ cultures. These oligonucleotides can specifically inhibit Pax-2 protein accumulation in kidney mesenchyme cells, where the intracellular concentrations are maximal. The kidney organ cultures were stained with uvomurulin and laminin antibodies as markers for epithelium formation. With significantly reduced Pax-2 protein levels, kidney mesenchyme cells fail to aggregate and do not undergo the sequential morphological changes characteristic of epithelial cell formation. The data demonstrate that Pax-2 function is required for the earliest phase of mesenchyme-to-epithelium conversion.

Alternative splicing of Pax-8 gene transcripts is developmentally regulated and generates isoforms with different transactivation properties

Pax-8, a member of the paired box-containing gene family, was shown to be coexpressed with Pax-2 in several human kidney carcinoma cell lines. Four different Pax-8 mRNA isoforms, a to d, were cloned from one of these cell lines by polymerase chain reaction amplification, and the Pax-8 gene was isolated from a human cosmid library. Analysis of the exon-intron structure of Pax-8 revealed that the four mRNA isoforms arise by alternative splicing, resulting in inclusion or exclusion of exon 7 and/or exon 8 sequences. All four Pax-8 proteins retain the paired domain as their DNA-binding motif and recognize DNA in the same manner as do the closely related Pax-2 and BSAP (Pax-5) proteins. The Pax-8a and Pax-8b isoforms end in a serine/threonine/tyrosine-rich sequence, while the C terminus of Pax-8c and Pax-8d is translated in a different, proline-rich reading frame. Transient transfection experiments revealed that Pax-8 isoforms a and b, but not c and d, strongly stimulate transcription from a promoter containing six copies of a paired-domain recognition sequence. The same four mRNA variants were also detected by RNase protection analysis in the mouse embryo and adult kidney, thus indicating evolutionary conservation of Pax-8 mRNA splicing. A different splice pattern was observed in the developing placenta, which expresses two new variants, Pax-8e and Pax-8f, instead of transcripts b to d. Expression of these mRNAs is high at embryonic day 9.5 and is gradually reduced until Pax-8a is the predominant transcript in the 12.5-day placenta. In the embryo, however, the synthesis of mRNAs b to d is initially low and then increases relative to that of Pax-8a. Hence, alternative splicing of Pax-8 gene transcripts not only generates six different Pax-8 variants but is also temporally and spatially regulated during early mouse development.

DNA sequence recognition by Pax proteins: bipartite structure of the paired domain and its binding site

Previous DNA-binding studies indicated that an intact paired domain is required for interaction of the transcription factor BSAP (Pax-5) with DNA. We have now identified a subset of BSAP recognition sequences that also bind to a truncated BSAP peptide lacking 36 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the paired domain. Sequence comparison of this class of BSAP-binding sites made it possible to unequivocally align all known BSAP-binding sites and to deduce a consensus sequence consisting of two distinct half sites. We propose here a model for the paired domain--DNA interaction in which the paired domain is composed of two subdomains that bind to the two half-sites in adjacent major grooves on the same side of the DNA helix. The existence of these half sites and of the two paired domain subregions was directly demonstrated by methylation interference analysis and by in vitro mutagenesis of both the paired domain and its recognition sequence. Both half-sites contribute to the overall affinity of a given BSAP-binding site according to their match with the consensus sequence. However, none of the naturally occurring BSAP-binding sites completely conform to the consensus sequence. Instead, they contain compensatory base changes in their half-sites that explain the versatile and seemingly degenerate DNA sequence recognition of Pax proteins. Domain swap experiments between BSAP and Pax-1 demonstrated that the sequence specificity of the BSAP paired domain is determined by both its amino- and carboxy-terminal subdomains. Moreover, mutations affecting only one of the two subdomains restricted the sequence specificity of the paired domain. Such mutations have been shown previously to be the cause of mouse developmental mutants (undulated, Splotch, and Small eye) and human syndromes (Waardenburg's syndrome and aniridia) and may thus differentially affect the regulation of target genes by the mutated Pax protein.

Pax: gene regulators in the developing nervous system

In recent years, the discovery of Pax genes in mouse has played an invaluable role in furthering our understanding in mouse developmental processes and disorders. To date, eight murine paired box-containing genes have been cloned. Seven of these exhibit a distinct spatiotemporal expression pattern in the developing nervous system implying a role in the regional specification of the developing spinal cord and brain. The Pax genes encode for sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factors that play a key role in embryonic development. Three of these developmental control genes are altered in mutant mice and two are associated with human diseases. Disruption of these Pax genes leads to abnormalities in neural crest derivatives, neuroectoderm, sclerotome or myotome-derived tissues. Disruption of the Pax-3 gene causes the Splotch phenotype in mice and Waardenburg syndrome in humans. Pax-6 mutations result in Small eye mice and the human genetic disorder aniridia. The Pax-1 gene is mutated in undulated mice. Pax proteins can transform cells in culture which then form tumours following injection in nude mice. Consistent with this activity, PAX3 has been recently implicated in the generation of the tumour alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

A genetic linkage map of the mouse: current applications and future prospects

Technological advances have made possible the development of high-resolution genetic linkage maps for the mouse. These maps in turn offer exciting prospects for understanding mammalian genome evolution through comparative mapping, for developing mouse models of human disease, and for identifying the function of all genes in the organism.

Alternative splicing of Pax-8 gene transcripts is developmentally regulated and generates isoforms with different transactivation properties

Pax-8, a member of the paired box-containing gene family, was shown to be coexpressed with Pax-2 in several human kidney carcinoma cell lines. Four different Pax-8 mRNA isoforms, a to d, were cloned from one of these cell lines by polymerase chain reaction amplification, and the Pax-8 gene was isolated from a human cosmid library. Analysis of the exon-intron structure of Pax-8 revealed that the four mRNA isoforms arise by alternative splicing, resulting in inclusion or exclusion of exon 7 and/or exon 8 sequences. All four Pax-8 proteins retain the paired domain as their DNA-binding motif and recognize DNA in the same manner as do the closely related Pax-2 and BSAP (Pax-5) proteins. The Pax-8a and Pax-8b isoforms end in a serine/threonine/tyrosine-rich sequence, while the C terminus of Pax-8c and Pax-8d is translated in a different, proline-rich reading frame. Transient transfection experiments revealed that Pax-8 isoforms a and b, but not c and d, strongly stimulate transcription from a promoter containing six copies of a paired-domain recognition sequence. The same four mRNA variants were also detected by RNase protection analysis in the mouse embryo and adult kidney, thus indicating evolutionary conservation of Pax-8 mRNA splicing. A different splice pattern was observed in the developing placenta, which expresses two new variants, Pax-8e and Pax-8f, instead of transcripts b to d. Expression of these mRNAs is high at embryonic day 9.5 and is gradually reduced until Pax-8a is the predominant transcript in the 12.5-day placenta. In the embryo, however, the synthesis of mRNAs b to d is initially low and then increases relative to that of Pax-8a. Hence, alternative splicing of Pax-8 gene transcripts not only generates six different Pax-8 variants but is also temporally and spatially regulated during early mouse development.

Interaction between splotch (Sp) and curly tail (ct) mouse mutants in the embryonic development of neural tube defects

The mouse mutations splotch (Sp) and curly tail (ct) both produce spinal neural tube defects with closely similar morphology, but achieve this by different embryonic mechanisms. To determine whether the mutants may interact during development, we constructed mice carrying both mutations. Double heterozygotes exhibited tail defects in 10% of cases, although the single heterozygotes do not express this phenotype. Backcrosses of double heterozygotes to ct/ct produced offspring with an elevated incidence of neural tube defects, both spina bifida and tail defects, compared with a control backcross in which Sp was not involved. Use of the deletion allele Sp2H permitted embryos carrying a splotch mutation to be recognised by polymerase chain reaction assay. This experiment showed that only embryos carrying Sp2H develop spina bifida in the backcross with ct/ct, suggesting that the genotype Sp2H/+, ct/ct is usually lethal around the time of birth as a result of severe disturbance of neurulation. The interaction between Sp and ct was investigated further by examining embryos in the backcross for developmental markers of the Sp/Sp and ct/ct genotypes. Sp/Sp embryos characteristically lack neural crest derivatives, such as dorsal root ganglia, and die on day 13 of gestation. Double mutant embryos from the backcross did not exhibit either of these characteristics suggesting that homozygosity for ct does not cause Sp/+ embryos to develop as if they were of genotype Sp/Sp. The angle of ventral curvature of the posterior neuropore region is enhanced in affected ct/ct embryos whereas it was found to be reduced in Sp/Sp embryos compared with their normal littermates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evolution and role of Pax genes

Pax genes encode a class of highly conserved transcription factors containing a paired-domain. These factors play important roles in Drosophila and vertebrate development, for example, in segmentation and neurogenesis. Their developmental roles are assessed in terms of their participation in conserved gene networks and mechanisms that establish positional information.

From gene to protein: determination of melanin synthesis

Melanin production in mammals is regulated at a variety of levels (tissue, cellular, and subcellular), and many gene loci are involved in the determination of color patterns directed by the melanocyte. Many of the genes involved in these complex processes have now been cloned, and even the simplest mutation can lead to dramatic changes in the phenotype of the individual. Many, if not all, of the pigment related genes have pleiotropic effects on the development and differentiation of the organism, and perhaps because of this, the melanocyte is evolving as an important model for the study of gene regulation and action at the functional level. In view of the importance of pigmentation as a photoprotective barrier and as a cosmetic factor affecting appearance and social acceptance, the importance of these studies seems destined to increase significantly in the future.

Later embryogenesis: regulatory circuitry in morphogenetic fields

The subject of this review is the nature of regulatory processes underlying the spatial subdivision of morphogenetic regions in later embryogenesis. I have applied a non-classical definition of morphogenetic field, the progenitor field, which is a region of an embryo composed of cells whose progeny will constitute a given morphological structure. An important feature of such fields is that they have sharp spatial boundaries, across which lie cells whose progeny will express different fates. Two examples of the embryonic specification and development of such fields are considered. These are the formation of the archenteron in the sea urchin embryo and the formation of dorsal axial mesoderm in the Xenopus embryo. From these and a number of additional examples, from vertebrate, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans and sea urchin embryos, it is concluded that the initial formation of the boundaries of morphogenetic progenitor fields depends on both positive and negative transcription control functions. Specification of morphogenetic progenitor fields, organization of the boundaries and their subsequent regionalization or subdivision are mediated by intercellular signaling. Genes encoding regionally expressed transcription factors that are activated in response to intercell signaling, and that in turn mediate signaling changes downstream, appear as fundamental regulatory circuit elements. Such [signal-->transcription factor gene-->signal] circuit elements appear to be utilized, often repetitively, in many different morphogenetic processes.

Molecular regulation of neural crest development

The neural crest is a transient embryonic structure that gives rise to a multitude of different cell types in the vertebrate. As such, it is an ideal model to study the processes of vertebrate differentiation and development. This review focuses on two major questions related to neural crest development. The first question concerns the degree and time of commitment of the neural crest cells to different cell lineages and the emerging role of the homeobox containing genes in regulating this process. Evidence from the cephalic crest suggests that the commitment process does start before the neural crest cells migrate away from the neural tube and gene ablation experiments suggest that different homeobox genes are required for the development of neural and mesenchymal tissue derivatives. However, clonal analysis of neural crest cells before migration suggests that many of the cells remain multi-potential indicating that the final determinative steps occur progressively during migration and in association with environmental influences. The second question concerns the nature of the environmental factors that determine the differentiation of neural crest cells into discrete lineages. Evidence is provided, mainly from in vitro experiments, that purified growth factors selectively promote the differentiation of neural crest cells down either sympathetic, adrenal, sensory, or melanocytic cell lineages.

Retinoic acid induction and regional differentiation prefigure olfactory pathway formation in the mammalian forebrain

We have used an in vitro assay to identify sources of retinoic acid (RA) and transgenic mice to identify target domains in the developing forebrain. RA participates in a sequence of events that leads to the establishment of the olfactory pathway. First, the lateral cranial mesoderm activates an RA-inducible transgene in neuroepithelial cells in the olfactory placode and the ventrolateral forebrain. Then, neurons and neurites begin to differentiate in these two regions. Finally, olfactory axons grow specifically into the ventrolateral forebrain and subsequently are limited to the olfactory bulb rudiment. The coordination of these events, perhaps by common signals, implies that retinoid induction and retinoid-activated region-specific transcriptional regulation may help to define a forebrain subdivision and the peripheral neurons that provide its primary innervation.

Natural resistance to infection with intracellular parasites: isolation of a candidate for Bcg

Natural resistance to infection with intracellular parasites is controlled by a dominant gene on mouse chromosome 1, called Bcg, Lsh, or Ity. Bcg affects the capacity of macrophages to destroy ingested intracellular parasites early during infection. We have assembled a 400 kb bacteriophage and cosmid contig within the genomic interval containing Bcg. A search for transcription units by exon amplification identified six novel genes in this contig. RNA expression studies showed that one of them, designated Nramp, was expressed exclusively in macrophage populations from reticuloendothelial organs and in the macrophage line J774A. Nramp encodes an integral membrane protein that has structural homology with known prokaryotic and eukaryotic transport systems, suggesting a macrophage-specific membrane transport function. Susceptibility to infection (Bcgs) in 13 Bcgr and Bcgs strains tested is associated with a nonconservative Gly-105 to Asp-105 substitution within predicted transmembrane domain 2 of Nramp.

Chromosomal localization of seven PAX genes and cloning of a novel family member, PAX-9

In the human paired box-containing (PAX) gene family, only two members, PAX-3 and PAX-6, which are associated with Waardenburg's syndrome and aniridia, respectively have been mapped to human chromosomes. We have now isolated cosmids for six additional human PAX genes (PAX-1,-2,-5,-7,-8,-9) and a polymerase chain reaction fragment for PAX-4. PAX-9 is a novel family member which is closely related in its paired domain to PAX-1. The chromosomal location of all cloned PAX genes was determined by analysis of somatic cell hybrids and (except PAX-4) by fluorescence in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. PAX-1 and PAX-7 map to chromosomal regions containing previously assigned disease loci.

A mutation in the Pax-6 gene in rat small eye is associated with impaired migration of midbrain crest cells

The rat small eye strain (rSey) lacks eyes and nose in the homozygote, and is similar to the mouse Sey strain with mutations in the Pax-6 gene. We isolated Pax-6 cDNA clones from an rSey homozygote library, and found an internal deletion of about 600 basepairs in the serine/threonine-rich domain. At the genomic level, a single base (G) insertion in an exon generates an abnormal 5' donor splice site, thereby producing the truncated mRNA. Anterior midbrain crest cells in the homozygous rSey embryos reached the eye rudiments but did not migrate any further to the nasal rudiments, suggesting that the Pax-6 gene is involved in conducting migration of neural crest cells from the anterior midbrain.

Isolation and characterisation of murine homologues of the Drosophila seven in absentia gene (sina)

The seven in absentia gene (sina) is required for formation of the R7 photoreceptor cell in the developing eye of Drosophila melanogaster. The sina protein contains a putative zinc finger domain and localises to the cell nucleus in Drosophila. We report here the identification of a family of genes in the mouse (designated Siah) with extensive sequence homology to Drosophila sina. The Siah genes fall into two main groups: Siah-1, which consists of four closely related members, two of which appear to be functional, and Siah-2, which contains a single functional member. The predicted Siah proteins show an unusually high degree of conservation with sina over the majority of their lengths, diverging significantly only at their amino terminal ends. The Siah-1 and Siah-2 genes are widely expressed at a low level in the embryo and adult. Analysis of Siah-2 by hybridisation histochemistry shows that it is expressed at a higher level in a restricted number of sites during development, including the olfactory epithelium, retina, forebrain and proliferating cartilage of developing bone. The striking degree of sequence homology observed between the Drosophila and murine genes implies strong conservation pressure on the Siah genes and suggests that they play a significant role in vertebrate development.

Molecular genetics and the ontogeny of pigment patterns in mammals

The conclusion that animal development is guided by a hierarchical system of gene expression and interaction has gained considerable support from recent molecular genetic studies on fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and mice (Mus musculus). They demonstrate that the patterns of organization revealed by terminal differentiation of cells is anticipated by a myriad of transient prepatterns that channel the developing embryo toward its genetically-programmed target. The numerous white spotting mutants in mice exhibit some of the most dramatic and variable patterns of cutaneous melanin pigmentation. Until recently, the mechanisms of action of white spotting genes and their relationship to the developmental genetic hierarchy remained unknown. It now appears that certain white spotting genes may encode growth factors essential for melanoblast development. Others may be related to homeobox genes that play a number of developmental roles, the primary one being the determination of regional organization along the anterior-posterior axis of the early embryo. The patterns of homeobox gene expression are consistent with several of the developmental models for white spotting in mice and other mammals. It is evident that white spotting genes are not solely concerned with the terminal differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes. They are heterogeneous with regard to action and level of expression within the developmental hierarchy.

Characterization of the neural crest defect in Splotch (Sp1H) mutant mice using a lacZ transgene

We have reinvestigated the neural crest defect of Splotch (Sp1H) mutant embryos using the tissue specific expression of lacZ by the HCMV-IEP-lacZ (CMZ) transgene as a marker. The CMZ transgene was backcrossed onto the Sp1H mutant background, which has been shown to carry mutations in the Pax-3 gene. The CMZ transgene has previously been shown to be expressed in some neural crest-derived neural tissues of midgestation embryos. The pattern of CMZ expression in Splotch mutants is not caused by alterations of transgene transcription, but demonstrates morphological deviations of neural crest development. The gradual size reduction of spinal ganglia along a rostrocaudal gradient is shown to occur concomitantly with a size reduction of the sympathetic ganglia. CMZ expression also reveals the total absence of sympathetic ganglion cells in thoracic and lumbar segments of Sp1H homozygotes, which is confirmed in serial sections. Observations in whole mounts of CMZ transgenic homozygotes suggest that cranial nerve ganglia develop normally in these embryos. CMZ is expressed in epithelial cells around the neural tube defect in Splotch mutants at the epidermal/neuroepithelial boundary. It is proposed that this expression represents premigratory neural crest cells that remain within the epithelial layer around the neural tube defect. These observations are discussed with reference to the normal pattern of Pax-3 expression.

Postulated mechanisms underlying the development of neural tube defects. Insights from in vitro and in vivo studies

In recent years, use of animal models has resulted in acquisition of a significant amount of new information regarding normal and abnormal neural tube development. Studies of mutant and of teratogen-exposed mice are complementary, with each providing insights that promise to advance our understanding of the other. Analysis of teratogen-exposed embryos is best suited for identifying susceptible developmental stages and vulnerable populations. Advances in molecular genetics, with the ability to identify gene products, their cell/tissue location, and, potentially, to understand their function, will make naturally occurring as well as man-made mutants invaluable for understanding the heterogeneous mechanisms that underly NTDs.

Signals from the notochord and floor plate regulate the region-specific expression of two Pax genes in the developing spinal cord

Members of the paired box (Pax) gene family are expressed in discrete regions of the developing central nervous system, suggesting a role in neural patterning. In this study, we describe the isolation of the chicken homologues of Pax-3 and Pax-6. Both genes are very highly conserved and share extensive homology with the mouse Pax-3 and Pax-6 genes. Pax-3 is expressed in the primitive streak and in two bands of cells at the lateral extremity of the neural plate. In the spinal cord, Pax-6 is expressed later than Pax-3 with the first detectable expression preceding closure of the neural tube. When the neural tube closes, transcripts of both genes become dorsoventrally restricted in the undifferentiated mitotic neuroepithelium. We show that the removal of the notochord, or implantation of an additional notochord, dramatically alter the dorsoventral (DV) expression patterns of Pax-3 and Pax-6. These manipulations suggest that signals from the notochord and floor plate regulate the establishment of the dorsoventrally restricted expression domains of Pax-3 and Pax-6 in the spinal cord. The rapid changes to Pax gene expression that occur in neural progenitor cells following the grafting of an ectopic notochord suggest that changes to Pax gene expression are an early effect of the notochord on spinal cord patterning.

A mouse model of greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome: the extra-toesJ mutation contains an intragenic deletion of the Gli3 gene

Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting limb and craniofacial development. Recently, the human GLI3 gene has been proposed to be a candidate gene for GCPS. Here we describe the molecular characterization of extra-toes (Xt), which is a mouse model of GCPS. The Xt heterozygotes show craniofacial defects and a polydactyly phenotype similar to GCPS. We show that a deficiency of Gli3 expression in the XtJ mutant is due to a deletion within the 3' end of the gene. Furthermore, structures affected in the mouse mutant and human syndrome were found to correlate with expression domains of Gli3 in mouse. These results strongly suggest that the deficiency of GLI3 function leads to GCPS.

Cloning of the mouse agouti gene predicts a secreted protein ubiquitously expressed in mice carrying the lethal yellow mutation

The mouse agouti gene controls the deposition of yellow and black pigment in developing hairs. Several dominant alleles, including lethal yellow (Ay), result in the exclusive production of yellow pigment and have pleiotropic effects that include obesity and increased tumor susceptibility. In an interspecific backcross, we established genetic limits for the agouti gene and found that the Ay and the lethal non-agouti (ax) allele were not separated from a previously identified probe at the breakpoint of the Is1GsO chromosomal rearrangement. Using the Is1GsO probe, we isolated the agouti gene, and find that it has the potential to code for a secreted protein expressed in hair follicles and the epidermis, and that the level of expression correlates with the synthesis of yellow pigment. In the Ay mutation, there is a chromosomal rearrangement that results in the production of a chimeric RNA expressed in nearly every tissue of the body. The 5' portion of this chimeric RNA contains highly expressed novel 5' sequences, but the 3' portion retains the protein-coding potential of the nonmutant allele. We speculate that dominant pleiotropic effects of Ay are caused by ectopic activation of a signaling pathway similar to that used during normal hair growth.

The mouse Dlx-2 (Tes-1) gene is expressed in spatially restricted domains of the forebrain, face and limbs in midgestation mouse embryos

The pattern of RNA expression of the murine Dlx-2 (Tes-1) homeobox gene is described in embryos ranging in age from E8.5 through E11.5. Dlx-2 is a vertebrate homologue of the Drosophila Distal-less (Dll) gene. Dll expression in the Drosophila embryo is principally limited to the primordia of the brain, head and limbs. Dlx-2 is also expressed principally in the primordia of the forebrain, head and limbs. Within these regions it is expressed in spatially restricted domains. These include two discontinuous regions of the forebrain (basal telencephalon and ventral diencephalon), the branchial arches, facial ectoderm, cranial ganglia and limb ectoderm. Several mouse and human disorders have phenotypes which potentially are the result of mutations in the Dlx genes.

Rearrangement of the PAX3 paired box gene in the paediatric solid tumour alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

We have determined that PAX3 (found previously to be mutated in Waardenburg syndrome) is the chromosome 2 locus rearranged by the t(2;13)(q35;q14) translocation of the paediatric solid tumour alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. The rearrangement breakpoints occur within an intron downstream of the paired box and homeodomain-encoding regions. Upstream PAX3 sequences hybridize to a novel transcript in t(2;13)-containing lines. Cloning and characterization of this novel transcript indicate that the translocation juxtaposes the PAX3 DNA binding elements with chromosome 13 sequences, suggesting formation of a hybrid transcription factor. Therefore, PAX3 gene alterations are associated with two completely unrelated human diseases.

A mutation within intron 3 of the Pax-3 gene produces aberrantly spliced mRNA transcripts in the splotch (Sp) mouse mutant

The splotch (Sp) mouse mutant displays defects in neural tube closure in the form of exencephaly and spina bifida. Recently, mutations in the Pax-3 gene have been described in the radiation-induced Spr and Sp2H alleles. This led us to examine the integrity of the Pax-3 gene and its cellular mRNA transcript in the original, spontaneously arising Sp allele. A complex mutation in the Pax-3 gene including an A-->T transversion at the invariant 3' AG splice acceptor of intron 3 was identified in the Sp/Sp mutant. This genomic mutation abrogates the normal splicing of intron 3, resulting in the generation of four aberrantly spliced mRNA transcripts. Two of these Pax-3 transcripts make use of cryptic 3' splice sites within the downstream exon, generating small deletions which disrupt the reading frame of the transcripts. A third aberrant splicing event results in the deletion of exon 4, while a fourth retains intron 3. These aberrantly spliced mRNA transcripts are not expected to result in functional Pax-3 proteins and are thus responsible for the phenotype observed in the Sp mouse mutant.

Identification and genetic mapping of a homeobox gene to the 4p16.1 region of human chromosome 4

A human craniofacial cDNA library was screened with a degenerate oligonucleotide probe based on the conserved third helix of homeobox genes. From this screening, we identified a homeobox gene, H6, which shared only 57-65% amino acid identity to previously reported homeodomains. H6 was physically mapped to the 4p16.1 region by using somatic cell hybrids containing specific deletions of human chromosome 4. Linkage data from a single-stranded conformational polymorphism derived from the 3' untranslated region of the H6 cDNA placed this homeobox gene more than 20 centimorgans proximal of the previously mapped HOX7 gene on chromosome 4. Identity comparisons of the H6 homeodomain with previously reported homeodomains reveal the highest identities to be with the Nk class of homeobox genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

Fine genetic mapping of the proximal part of mouse chromosome 2 excludes Pax-8 as a candidate gene for Danforth's short tail (Sd)

Danforth's short tail (Sd) is a semidominant mutation of the mouse with effects on the skeleton and the urogenital system. In view of its phenotype and its position in the proximal part of Chromosome (Chr) 2, three genes qualified as possible candidates: Pax-8, a paired box-containing gene; Midkine (Mdk), a retinoic acid-responsive gene; and a new locus (Etl-4) identified by enhancer trapping with a lacZ reporter gene which showed expression in the notochord, the mesonephric mesenchyme, and the apical ectodermal ridge. Three different backcrosses involving all three genes in different combinations were set up and analyzed. From our results we conclude that Sd, Etl-4, Pax-8, and Mdk are independent loci, with Etl-4 being the closest genetic marker (1.1 +/- 1.4 cM) to the Danforth's short tail (Sd) gene.

Mapping of the human homologs of the murine paired-box-containing genes

Mutations in paired-box-containing (Pax) genes have recently been found to be the primary lesions underlying human genetic disorders such as Waardenburg's Syndrome type 1 and mouse developmental mutants such as undulated (un), splotch (Sp), and small eye (Sey). In addition, PAX-6 is a strong candidate gene for aniridia in man. Eight independent Pax genes have been isolated in the mouse. All eight map to distinct regions of the mouse genome; they do not appear to be clustered in the same way as some groups of homeobox-containing genes. We have now mapped the human homologs of all eight of these genes; PAX genes are found on human Chromosomes (Chr) 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 20.

Mutations in the PAX3 gene causing Waardenburg syndrome type 1 and type 2

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a combination of deafness and pigmentary disturbances, normally inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The pathology involves neural crest derivatives, but WS is heterogeneous clinically and genetically. Some type I WS families show linkage with markers on distal 2q and in three cases the disease has been attributed to mutations in the PAX3 gene. PAX3 encodes a paired domain, a highly conserved octapeptide and probably also a paired-type homeodomain. Here we describe a further three PAX3 mutations which cause WS; one alters the octapeptide motif plus the presumed homeodomain; a second alters all three elements and the third alters the paired box alone. The latter occurs in a family with probable type 2 WS, a clinical variant usually considered not to be allelic with type 1 WS.

Molecular genetics of aristaless, a prd-type homeo box gene involved in the morphogenesis of proximal and distal pattern elements in a subset of appendages in Drosophila

Viable aristaless (al) mutations of Drosophila affect pattern elements at both ends of the proximodistal axis in a subset of adult appendages. The al gene has been cloned and identified by P-element-mediated germ-line transformation with a genomic DNA fragment, which rescues a lethal mutation of al as well as aspects of the adult al phenotype. The al gene contains a prd-type homeo domain and a Pro/Gln-rich domain and, hence, probably encodes a transcription factor. Its transcript distribution in third-instar imaginal discs closely corresponds to the anlagen of the tissues that later become visibly affected in adult al mutants. The striking similarity of a bimodal al expression in different imaginal discs indicates that al is under the control of a "prepattern," which is shared at least among antennal, leg, and wing discs. The al gene is also transcribed during embryogenesis. Apart from a function in the ontogeny of specific larval head and tail organs, its embryonic transcript pattern suggests a possible role in early imaginal disc development.

A new Pax gene, Pax-9, maps to mouse chromosome 12

Members of the Pax gene family have recently been shown to play important roles in mouse embryogenesis. Of eight so far characterized Pax genes, three have been associated with mouse developmental mutants. Here we report the cloning of a new Pax gene, Pax-9. Most of the DNA sequence encoding the highly conserved paired domain has been determined and compared with previously known paired domains. This comparison classifies Pax-9 as a member of the same subgroup as Pax-1/undulated. By analysis of the segregation of a Pax-9 restriction fragment length polymorphism and a large number of simple sequence length polymorphisms in an interspecific C57BL/6 x Mus musculus mollosinus backcross, Pax-9 was mapped close to the D12Nds1 locus on the proximal part of Chromosome (Chr) 12.

Molecular characterization of the mouse agouti locus

The agouti (a) locus acts within the microenvironment of the hair follicle to regulate coat color pigmentation in the mouse. We have characterized a gene encoding a novel 131 amino acid protein that we propose is the one gene associated with the agouti locus. This gene is normally expressed in a manner consistent with a locus function, and, more importantly, its structure and expression are affected by a number of representative alleles in the agouti dominance hierarchy. In addition, we found that the pleiotropic effects associated with the lethal yellow (Ay) mutation, which include pronounced obesity, diabetes, and the development of neoplasms, are accompanied by deregulated overexpression of the agouti gene in numerous tissues of the adult animal.

Multipotential stem cells in the vertebrate CNS

The functional differences between the many mature neuronal types make the origins of cellular diversity in the nervous system one of the most intriguing problems in biology. This paper discusses recent experiments which explore the mechanisms generating cell diversity in the vertebrate central nervous system, focusing particularly on the immediate precursor to neurons and on neuronal differentiation. Transplantation experiments have been used to explore regional and temporal differences in the cells of the neuroepithelium. The effects of specific genes on neuronal development have been examined by mutational analysis in transgenic mice and in established neuronal stem cell lines. The combination of methods now available allow increasingly powerful dissection of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that generate the large number of different neurons in the vertebrate brain.

Neural tube defects without neural crest defects in splotch mice

Homozygous Splotch mutant mice (Sp/Sp) die on day 14 of gestation with neural tube defects, curly tail, and malformations of neural crest derivatives. Sp1H mice, which have a radiation-induced allele of Splotch with a similar phenotype, were used for this study. The neural tube defects are always located in the lumbosacral region and in 50% of the cases also in the region of the hindbrain. In this report, rare cases of neural tube defects and tail defects among the offspring of crosses between Splotch (Sp1H) heterozygotes are presented, which are not associated with a neural crest defect. This suggests that the development of the neural tube and neural crest defects in this mutant is caused by independent mechanisms or is dependent on the dosage of the mutant gene, with different thresholds being pathogenetic in the neural tube and neural crest, respectively.

Zebrafish pax[b] is involved in the formation of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary

Among the genes thought to be involved in patterning the nervous system are a family of developmentally regulated paired box-containing (Pax) genes. Mutations in some of these Pax genes lead to severe developmental abnormalities. Zebrafish pax[b](pax[zf-b]) is a member of the Pax gene family that is expressed in the presumptive posterior midbrain from the end of gastrulation and, at later stages, in other localized regions of the developing embryo. Here we show that injection of antibodies raised against the pax[b] protein causes a localized malformation at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary. In situ hybridizations demonstrate that antibody injection causes downregulation of pax[b] transcripts in the posterior midbrain and alteration of wnt-1 and eng-2 expression in this area. The data demonstrate an involvement of pax[b] in the formation of the midbrain-hindbrain junction.

Expression of the zinc finger gene Gli3 is affected in the morphogenetic mouse mutant extra-toes (Xt)

Genetic analysis and homology between the phenotypic alterations of the human Greig Cephalopolysyndactyly Syndrome (GCPS) and the mouse mutant extra-toes (Xt) have suggested a dominant mutation in the same gene of both species. Recently, the GLI3 gene, a member of the Kruppel-related zinc finger genes, has been proposed as a candidate gene for GCPS. We examined the expression of the mouse Gli3 gene in both Xt mutant animals and during normal mouse development. Northern and RNAase protection analysis of embryos revealed that Gli3 expression was reduced about 50% in heterozygous Xt/+ mice and completely absent in homozygous Xt/Xt mice. In addition, in situ analysis of wild-type mice documented Gli3 expression in the developing limb and brain, structures affected in Xt mutant mice. This pattern suggests an important function of the Gli3 gene during morphogenesis.

Genomic structure, evolutionary conservation and aniridia mutations in the human PAX6 gene

Aniridia is a semidominant disorder in which development of the iris, lens, cornea and retina is disturbed. The mouse mutation Small eye (Sey), which has been proposed as a model for aniridia, results from defects in Pax-6, a gene containing paired-box and homeobox motifs that is specifically expressed in the developing eye and brain. To test the role of PAX6 in aniridia, we isolated human cDNA clones and determined the intron-exon structure of this gene. PAX6 spans 22 kilobases and is divided into 14 exons. Analysis of DNA from 10 unrelated aniridia patients revealed intragenic mutations in three familial and one sporadic case. These findings indicate that the human aniridia and murine Small eye phenotypes arise from homologous defects in PAX6.

Pax-5 is expressed at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary during mouse development

The murine paired-box-containing gene 5, Pax-5, is highly homologous to two other Pax genes, Pax-2 and Pax-8. The expression pattern of Pax-5 during mouse embryogenesis was examined by in situ RNA hybridization and compared to those of Pax-2 and Pax-8. Beginning at day 9.5 postcoitum (p.c.), Pax-5 was expressed in the developing brain, predominantly at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, and in the neural tube. While the neural tube expression pattern overlapped completely with Pax-2 and Pax-8, the expression pattern in the brain was only partially overlapping. Unlike Pax-2 and Pax-8, Pax-5 was not expressed in the developing excretory system, thyroid, eye or ear. Our data suggest that Pax-5 has a role in the development of the central nervous system.