Role of Rx Gene in Eye and Pituitary Development
Author Information
Author(s): Medina-Martinez Olga, Amaya-Manzanares Felipe, Liu Chaomei, Mendoza Marisela, Shah Rina, Zhang Li, Behringer Richard R., Mahon Kathleen A., Jamrich Milan
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is Rx function required cell autonomously for the formation of the retina and the hypothalamo-pituitary axis in mouse embryos?
Conclusion
Rx function is required cell-autonomously for the formation of the retina and the posterior pituitary in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Rx-deficient cells cannot participate in the formation of the neuroretina and posterior pituitary.
- Chimeric embryos showed that Rx function is necessary for the segregation of retinal and pituitary progenitor cells.
- Optx2 expression is lost in Rx-deficient embryos, indicating its role as a target of Rx.
Takeaway
The Rx gene is important for making eyes and a part of the brain called the pituitary. Without it, these parts don't form properly.
Methodology
Embryonic chimeras were generated using wild type and Rx−/− cells to analyze their contribution to retinal and pituitary development.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on mouse models, which may not fully represent other species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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