A gene complex controlling segmentation in Drosophila

Lewis, E. B.

doi:10.1038/276565a0

Cited by 3,454 publications

(1,734 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The classic phenotype associated with Hox loss-of-function mutations in Drosophila is a homeotic transformation to a more anterior segment identity (Lewis, 1978). Some PG1-4 mutant mice do exhibit subtle transformations Fig.…”

Section: Hox Gene Function: Specifying Rhombomere Identity and Segmenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Constructing the hindbrain: Insights from the zebrafish

Moens¹,

Prince²

2002

Developmental Dynamics

197

179

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The hindbrain is responsible for controlling essential functions such as respiration and heart beat that we literally do not think about most of the time. In addition, cranial nerves projecting from the hindbrain control muscles in the jaw, eye, and face, and receive sensory input from these same areas. In all vertebrates that have been studied, the hindbrain passes through a segmented phase shortly after the neural tube has formed, with a series of seven bulges-the rhombomeres-forming along the anterior-posterior extent of the neural tube. Our current understanding of vertebrate hindbrain development comes from integrating data from several model systems. Work on the chick has helped us to understand the cell biology of the rhombomeres, whereas the power of mouse molecular genetics has allowed investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying their development. This review focuses on the special insights that the zebrafish system has provided to our understanding of hindbrain development. As we will discuss, work in the zebrafish has elucidated inductive events that specify the presumptive hindbrain domain and has identified genes required for hindbrain segmentation and the specification of segment identities.

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Section: Hox Gene Function: Specifying Rhombomere Identity and Segmenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Constructing the hindbrain: Insights from the zebrafish

Moens¹,

Prince²

2002

Developmental Dynamics

197

179

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“…These genes were initially discovered in Drosophila where they control segment identity (4). Homologous homeobox genes have been since cloned in multiple species, including human (5,6).…”

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confidence: 99%

Detection of HOXA1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer

Chariot

Castronovo

1996

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

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Homeodomain-containing proteins are transcription factors that regulate the coordinated expression of multiple genes involved in development, differentiation and malignant transformation. To better understand the role played by these proteins in breast cancer cells, we demonstrate, using semi-quantitative RT-PCR experiments, that progestin induces HOXA1 mRNAs in MCF7 cells. This is the first evidence of regulation of a HOX gene by steroids. Moreover, we detected HOXA1 expression in a variety of human breast cancer lesions, suggesting that HOXA1 may be required for the establishment of breast cancer cells phenotype. We propose that HOXA1 gene could be one of the orchestrators that regulate breast epithelial cell differentiation and that alteration of HOXA1 expression could play a role in breast cancer progression. © 1996 Academic Press, Inc.Cell transformation and tumor progression are associated with coordinated activation an inhibition of specific intact or altered genes (1,2). This complex genetic program involves proteins that control cellular proliferation and/or differentiation. Transcription factors implicated in organogenesis are ideal candidates to regulate these multistep processes.Homeodomain-containing proteins act, as transcription factors, in the genetic control of genes involved in development and differentiation (3). These genes were initially discovered in Drosophila where they control segment identity (4). Homologous homeobox genes have been since cloned in multiple species, including human (5,6). To date, 38 human class I homeobox genes have been discovered. They are organized in four clusters (HOX loci A, B, C and D), located respectively on chromosomes 7, 17, 12 and 2 (7).There is accumulating evidence suggesting a possible involvement of HOX genes in malignant transformation. A potential role of these genes in neoplasia was first documented in leukemia, as reviewed (8). Distinct chromosomal translocations or incorporation of a regulatory element in the vicinity of a homeobox gene confers an oncogenic potential to the protein product in hematopoietic cells (9,11). Moreover, alterations of HOX expression have been also detected in a variety of human tumors (12-15). In addition, ectopic HOX expression obtained by transfections of Hox genes into murine and rat cells induces tumorigenicity (16). This oncogenic potential has also been attributed to divergent homeobox genes that are not included in the 4 clusters (17)(18)(19)(20).As a first step to investigate the role played by HOX genes in breast cancer cells, we have previously cloned three alternatively spliced HOXA1 transcripts from a MCF7 cDNA library and demonstrated that HOXA1 expression was modulated by retinoic acid in these cells (21). In this study, we further demonstrate that these HOXA1 transcripts are induced by progestins, another differentiating agent, in MCF7 cells. Moreover, we systematically detected HOXA1 expression in a variety of human breast cancer lesions as well as in the adjacent tissues. Taken together, our results sugge...

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“…Due to its propensity for genetic analysis much of this work has been carried out in Drosophila (e.g., Ashburner, 1970;Lewis, 1978). For example, detailed analyses have been made of a variety of major developmental mutants (homoeotic) in Drosophila (Baker, 1978).…”

Section: The Model (I) General Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Drosophila, for example, the bx locus is involved with control of the development of the anterior haltere region of the fly. A mutation at this regulatory locus (bx3) in the appropriate genetic background (pbx), results in the transformation of the haltere (dorsal metathorax) into a wing (dorsal mesothorax) resulting in a fly with two sets of wings (Lewis, 1978). In Dictyostelium a temperature sensitive regulatory mutant has been identified which can alter the normal developmental profile of the organism such that one life stage (ripple) is dramatically shortened without affecting the normal timing of subsequent stages (SoIl, 1979).…”

Section: The Model (I) General Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Regulatory gene adaptation: An evolutionary model

Hedrick

McDonald

1980

Heredity

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SUMMARYThere is increasing support for the notion that changes in regulatory loci have played a major role in eukaryotic evolution. Assuming a model of genetic regulation based upon presently accepted views of the organisation of the eukaryotic genome and basic models of evolutionary genetics, one can provide a context for speculation about the advantages and disadvantages of adaptation via regulatory genes. As additional information is obtained on particular regulatory systems, the evolutionary genetic model can be modified and expanded.

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A gene complex controlling segmentation in Drosophila

Cited by 3,454 publications

References 13 publications

Constructing the hindbrain: Insights from the zebrafish

Constructing the hindbrain: Insights from the zebrafish

Detection of HOXA1 Expression in Human Breast Cancer

Regulatory gene adaptation: An evolutionary model

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