PUBLICATION

The function of DrPax1b gene in the embryonic development of zebrafish

Authors
Liu, X., Wang, H., Li, G., Huang, H.Z., and Wang, Y.Q.
ID
ZDB-PUB-140321-46
Date
2013
Source
Genes & genetic systems   88(4): 261-269 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Huang, Huizhe, Liu, Xin
Keywords
none
MeSH Terms
  • Animal Fins/embryology
  • Animal Fins/growth & development*
  • Animals
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Genome
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors/genetics*
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors/physiology
  • Phylogeny
  • Spine/embryology
  • Spine/growth & development*
  • Zebrafish
  • Zebrafish Proteins/genetics*
  • Zebrafish Proteins/physiology
PubMed
24463529 Full text @ Genes Genet. Sys.
Abstract

Vertebrate Pax1 gene is a member of Pax gene family and encodes a transcription factor associated with crucial roles in the development of pharyngeal pouch, scletrotome and limb bud. In zebrafish, the genome contains two Pax1 paralogs, DrPax1a and DrPax1b, which share high sequence similarity with other Pax1 genes. To elucidate the function of zebrafish DrPax1b gene, we first examined the gene expression pattern and found that it was mainly expressed in the endodermal pharyngeal pouch, caudal somites, notochord, and fin bud. Then, we performed knockdown experiments using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides, which lead to the defects in the vertebral column, tail, pharyngeal skeleton, and pectoral fin. Additionally, we also found that the mouse MmPax1 mRNA, but not the amphioxus AmphiPax1/9 mRNA, could rescue the MO-induced defects. Furthermore, sequence alignment revealed that the N-terminal region of vertebrate Pax1 and amphioxus Pax1/9 were highly conserved, whereas their C-terminal regions were relatively divergent. However, the chimeric Am(N)Dr(C)Pax1, Mm(N)Dr(C)Pax1 and Dr(N)Mm(C)Pax1 mRNA could partially rescue the defects, while the Dr(N)Am(C)Pax1 mRNA could not. In conclusion, our data demonstrate a conserved function of DrPax1b in the development of the vertebral column, pectoral fin and pharyngeal skeleton formation in zebrafish and also provide critical insight into the functional evolution of Pax1 gene by changing its C-terminal sequence.

Genes / Markers
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Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping