The role of pax genes in vertebrate segmentation
Pax genes are involved in a range of processes in the developing embryo. Pax3 and Pax7 in particular are associated with the paraxial mesoderm, especially the development of the myogenic lineage. However, recent studies have suggested that Pax3 and Pax7 may have earlier, morphogenetic roles in the segementation of the paraxial mesoderm. Here we examine the expression of Pax3 and Pax7 in the chicken presomitic mesoderm, and investigate their function using an in ovo electroporation transfection technique. We find that Pax3/7 drives precocious differentiation of PSM towards the myogenic lineage, as well as inducing a range of morphological changes in PSM tissue. These changes include alterations in the cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix formation.
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