Recruitment of 5' Hoxa genes in the allantois is essential for proper extra-embryonic function in placental mammals.

ABSTRACT: The Hox gene family is well known for its functions in establishing morphological diversity along the anterior-posterior axis of developing embryos. In mammals, one of these genes, Hoxa13, is crucial for embryonic survival, as its function is required for the proper expansion of the fetal vasculature in the placenta. Thus, it appears that the developmental strategy specific to placental mammals is linked, at least in part, to the recruitment of Hoxa13 function in developing extra-embryonic tissues. Yet, the mechanism underlying this extra-embryonic recruitment is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that this functional novelty is not exclusive to Hoxa13 but is shared with its neighboring Hoxa11 and Hoxa10 genes. We show that the extra-embryonic function of these three Hoxa genes stems from

SUBMITTER: Scotti M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4508127 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature