Mouse homeobox gene transcripts occupy different but overlapping domains in embryonic germ layers and organs: a comparison of Hox-3.1 and Hox-1.5 Available to Purchase

By use of in situ hybridization experiments, the mouse homeobox genes Hox-3.1 and Hox-1.5 are compared in the temporal and spatial patterns of their embryonic transcripts. Transcripts of both genes are first detected at about days, although the appearance of Hox-3.1 transcripts apparently follows Hox-1.5 after a small delay. Hox-3.1 and Hox-1.5 transcripts occupy domains which are different, although overlapping, along the anteroposterior axis of the embryo. The domains are first established within the ectoderm and mesoderm germ layers at days, but subsequently they persist within the nervous system, the prevertebral column and within at least some of the organs (the thyroid, lung, stomach, mesonephric and metanephric kidneys) at days. In discussion, two different mechanisms are considered by which positional information might first be generated within the germ layers.