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Expression pattern of zebrafish pax genes suggests a role in early brain regionalization

Nature volume 353, pages 267–270 (1991)Cite this article

Abstract

IN vertebrates the developing hindbrain is organized in segmental units1. These units provide the primary grid for differentiation and axonal outgrowth1,2. In the more anterior regions of the brain, however, the subdivisions remain more controversial. Cellular and molecular studies of the embryonic brain in lower vertebrates such as the zebrafish, Brachydanlo rerio, may reveal remnants of such subdivisions. We have isolated complementary DNA clones for two zebrafish pax genes related to Drosophila and mouse paired-box-containing segmentation genes3–10. The expression of these two genes is confined to specific regions in the embryonic forebrain and midbrain. Strikingly, the borders of expression of the two pax genes coincide with morphological landmarks corresponding to the primary axon tracts that are generated in the embryonic brain a few hours after the initiation of expression of these genes11,12.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Molecular Genetics Group, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, N-9000, Tromsø, Norway

    Stefan Krauss, Vladimir Korzh & Anders Fjose

  2. Biotechnology Group, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, N-9000, Tromsø, Norway

    Terje Johansen

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  1. Stefan Krauss
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  3. Vladimir Korzh
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  4. Anders Fjose
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Krauss, S., Johansen, T., Korzh, V. et al. Expression pattern of zebrafish pax genes suggests a role in early brain regionalization. Nature 353, 267–270 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1038/353267a0

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