Abstract
Vertebrate Msx genes are unlinked, homeobox-containing genes that bear homology to the Drosophila muscle segment homeobox gene. These genes are expressed at multiple sites of tissue-tissue interactions during vertebrate embryonic development. Inductive interactions mediated by the Msx genes are essential for normal craniofacial, limb and ectodermal organ morphogenesis, and are also essential to survival in mice, as manifested by the phenotypic abnormalities shown in knockout mice and in humans. This review summarizes studies on the expression, regulation, and functional analysis of Msx genes that bear relevance to craniofacial development in humans and mice. Key words: Msx genes, craniofacial, tooth, cleft palate, suture, development, transcription factor, signaling molecule.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cleft Palate / genetics*
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Cleft Palate / pathology
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Ectoderm
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Embryonic Induction / genetics
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Genes, Homeobox / genetics*
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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MSX1 Transcription Factor
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Maxillofacial Development / genetics
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Maxillofacial Development / physiology
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Mesoderm
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Models, Biological
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Morphogenesis / genetics
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Morphogenesis / physiology
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Mutation
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Odontogenesis / genetics*
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Odontogenesis / physiology
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Skull / embryology
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Skull / growth & development*
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / physiology
Substances
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Homeodomain Proteins
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MSX1 Transcription Factor
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MSX2 protein
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Transcription Factors