MSXs
Vertebrate Msx genes are unlinked, homeobox-containing genes that bear homology to the Drosophila muscle segment homeobox gene.
Members
| MSX1 | MSX2 |
MSXs genes are expressed at multiple sites of tissue-tissue interactions during vertebrate embryonic development.
Inductive interactions mediated by the MSXs genes are essential for normal craniofacial, limb and ectodermal organ morphogenesis, and are also essential to survival in mice, as manifested by the phenotypic abnormalities shown in knockout mice and in humans.
The involvement of Msx homeobox genes (MSXs) in skull and tooth formation has received a great deal of attention. Recent studies also indicate a role for the msh/Msx gene family in development of the nervous system.
See also
transcription factors
neural-tissue organogenesis
interactions of the Drosophila muscle segment homeobox (MSHs) gene with other homeobox genes
repressive cascade that leads to neuroectoderm patterning
MSXs genes in neural-crest induction
patterning of the vertebrate neural tube
diencephalon midline formation
neurogenesis
signalling molecules
- BMPs
References
Ramos C, Robert B. msh/Msx gene family in neural development.
Trends Genet. 2005 Nov;21(11):624-32. PMID: #16169630#
Alappat S, Zhang ZY, Chen YP. Msx homeobox gene family and craniofacial development. Cell Res. 2003 Dec;13(6):429-42. PMID: #14728799#
Davidson, D. : The function and evolution of Msx genes: pointers and paradoxes. Trends Genet. 11: 405-411, 1995. PubMed ID : #7482767#