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Reciprocal gene replacements reveal unique functions for Phox2 genes during neural differentiation

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 06:56 authored by Eva Coppola, Alexandre Pattyn, Sarah GuthrieSarah Guthrie, Christo Goridis, Michèle Studer
The paralogous paired-like homeobox genes Phox2a and Phox2b are involved in the development of specific neural subtypes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The different phenotypes of Phox2 knockout mutants, together with their asynchronous onset of expression, prompted us to generate two knock-in mutant mice, in which Phox2a is replaced by the Phox2b coding sequence, and vice versa. Our results indicate that Phox2a and Phox2b are not functionally equivalent, as only Phox2b can fulfill the role of Phox2a in the structures that depend on both genes. Furthermore, we demonstrate unique roles of Phox2 genes in the differentiation of specific motor neurons. Whereas the oculomotor and the trochlear neurons require Phox2a for their proper development, the migration of the facial branchiomotor neurons depends on Phox2b. Therefore, our analysis strongly indicates that biochemical differences between the proteins rather than temporal regulation of their expression account for the specific function of each paralogue.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

EMBO Journal

ISSN

0261-4189

Publisher

EMBO Press

Issue

24

Volume

24

Page range

4392-4403

Department affiliated with

  • Neuroscience Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-06-28

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