Mespo: a novel basic helix-loop-helix gene expressed in the presomitic mesoderm and posterior tailbud of Xenopus embryos

Mech Dev. 1999 Apr;82(1-2):191-4. doi: 10.1016/s0925-4773(99)00010-6.

Abstract

We have isolated a novel gene from Xenopus, called Mespo, which encodes a protein containing a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif characteristic of a family of transcriptional activators. Mespo expression begins at the gastrula stage and continues throughout tailbud stages; expression occurs in the presomitic mesoderm and the posterior tailbud. Mespo has high similarity to a subfamily of bHLH transcription factors involved in segmentation of the presomitic paraxial mesoderm.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs / genetics
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Mesoderm / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Tail / embryology
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Xenopus Proteins*
  • Xenopus laevis / embryology*
  • Xenopus laevis / genetics*

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • DNA Primers
  • Msgn1 protein, Xenopus
  • Trans-Activators
  • Xenopus Proteins
  • DNA

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF087650