09-P102 Somitogenesis and development of primary motor neurons: The role of the homeobox uncx4.1

2009

The gene uncx4.1 is a paired-type homeobox transcription factor, expressed during zebrafish embryonic development in branchial arches, somites, CNS and pronephric ducts. In particular, the expression at the somite level is detectable from 5ss stage and becomes progressively posteriorly and ventrally restricted to the presumptive myoblast cells in later stages. Interestingly, the progressive restriction of uncx4.1 activity anticipates and accompanies the appearance of the first outgrowing primary motor axons. Indeed, after uncx4.1 expression is not detected anymore in medial somitic cells, a ventrally projecting CaP motor axons emerge from the ventro-lateral spinal cord. In relation with mus…