Mammalian-specific ectodermal enhancers control the expression of Hoxc genes in developing nails and hair follicles.

ABSTRACT: Vertebrate Hox genes are critical for the establishment of structures during the development of the main body axis. Subsequently, they play important roles either in organizing secondary axial structures such as the appendages, or during homeostasis in postnatal stages and adulthood. Here, we set up to analyze their elusive function in the ectodermal compartment, using the mouse limb bud as a model. We report that the HoxC gene cluster was co-opted to be transcribed in the distal limb ectoderm, where it is activated following the rule of temporal colinearity. These ectodermal cells subsequently produce various keratinized organs such as nails or claws. Accordingly, deletion of the HoxC cluster led to mice lacking nails (anonychia), a condition stronger than the previou

SUBMITTER: Fernandez-Guerrero M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7720164 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature