Abstract
In this paper we report the cloning, sequence and expression analysis of a new Ciona intestinalis hox gene. On the basis of sequence comparison with mammalian and Amphioxus homologues, we called this gene Cihox5. Northern blot analysis reveals a single transcript of about 1.3 kb in length, that is present from neurula until larva stage. Whole-mount in situ hybridization shows restricted expression of this gene in putative blood cells precursors and in a regional domain of the spinal chord. Expression in the spinal cord is attributed to ependymal cells. This result implies a role for this gene in primitive regionalization of spinal cord along the anteroposterior axis in the absence of neuronal bodies.
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Received: 4 August 1997 / Accepted: 8 October 1997
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Gionti, M., Ristoratore, F., Di Gregorio, A. et al. Cihox5, a new Ciona intestinalis Hox-related gene, is involved in regionalization of the spinal cord. Dev Gene Evol 207, 515–523 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004270050142
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004270050142