Rexp52 is a new gene differentially expressed during Xenopus laevis embryonic development

M. GUADALUPE BARRIONUEVO; MANUEL J. AYBAR; CELESTE TRÍBULO

San Miguel de Tucumán

Congreso; XLV Reunión Anual de la SAIB; 2009

Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Bioquímica y Biología Celular

The development of vertebrate embryos includes the induction of different cell populations. In order to understand how these differences in cell fate are mediated it is important to identify genes which are differentially expressed in all these territories. The description and analysis of gene expression patterns is crucial to elucidate the physiological functions of genes and to understand the network of genetic interactions that underlay the processes of normal development. These genes will be useful as molecular markers and are also likely to be involved in controlling the differentiation of different cell types. We identified a novel gene called rexp52 with a complex restricted expression pattern. The temporal and spatial expression of rexp52 was analyzed by in situ hybridization and RT-PCR and compared with the expression of FoxD3 and XK81a. By neurula stage, the main expression of rexp52 is located in the inner layer of the ectoderm corresponding to the epidermis and neural crest. At the tailbud stages, is expressed strongly in the CNS, branchial arches, otic vesicle and trunk epidermis. When we modified genes or signals involved in epidermis or neural crest development we found changes in rexp52 expression. Taken together, these results show that rexp52 is a new gene with differential expression in the ectoderm and could be involved in the development of this tissue.