The <i>Iroquois</i> (<i>Iro/Irx</i>) homeobox genes are conserved Hox targets involved in motor neuron development.

ABSTRACT: The Iroquois (Iro/Irx) homeobox genes encode transcription factors with fundamental roles in animal development. Despite their link to various congenital conditions in humans, our understanding of Iro/Irx gene expression, function, and regulation remains incomplete. Here, we conducted a systematic expression analysis of all six mouse Irx genes in the embryonic spinal cord. We found that Irx1, Irx2, Irx3, Irx5, and Irx6 are expressed in specific groups of motor neurons (MNs). Further, we employed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to uncover essential but distinct roles for Irx2 and Irx6 in MN development. We also found that HOX proteins, which are conserved regulators of MN development across species, control Irx gene expre

SUBMITTER: Catela C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11995121 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature