Mouse H6 Homeobox 1 (Hmx1) mutations cause cranial abnormalities and reduced body mass.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The H6 homeobox genes Hmx1, Hmx2, and Hmx3 (also known as Nkx5-3; Nkx5-2 and Nkx5-1, respectively), compose a family within the NKL subclass of the ANTP class of homeobox genes. Hmx gene family expression is mostly limited to sensory organs, branchial (pharyngeal) arches, and the rostral part of the central nervous system. Targeted mutation of either Hmx2 or Hmx3 in mice disrupts the vestibular system. These tandemly duplicated genes have functional overlap as indicated by the loss of the entire vestibular system in double mutants. Mutants have not been described for Hmx1, the most divergent of the family.

Results

Dumbo (dmbo) is a semi-lethal mouse mutation that was recovered in a forward genetic mutagenesis screen. Mutants exhibit enlarged ear pinnae with a dist

SUBMITTER: Munroe RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2676275 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature