Accelerated evolution of 3'avian FOXE1 genes, and thyroid and feather specific expression of chicken FoxE1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The forkhead transcription factor gene E1 (FOXE1) plays an important role in regulation of thyroid development, palate formation and hair morphogenesis in mammals. However, avian FOXE1 genes have not been characterized and as such, codon evolution of FOXE1 orthologs in a broader evolutionary context of mammals and birds is not known.

Results

In this study we identified the avian FOXE1 gene in chicken, turkey and zebra finch, all of which consist of a single exon. Chicken and zebra finch FOXE1 are uniquely located on the sex-determining Z chromosome. In situ hybridization shows that chicken FOXE1 is specifically expressed in the developing thyroid. Its expression is initiated at the placode stage and is maintained during the stages of vesicle formation and follicle

SUBMITTER: Yaklichkin SY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3207924 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature