Article Abstract:
It has been possible to establish vital roles in vivo of the cytosolic protein Apaf1 in regulating Casp3 activation, establishing the proper development of brain structures, sculpting digits by eliminating interdigital cells, controlling the cell number of retinal cell populations and lens polarization in eye development and leading the processes of secondary palate formation. It is clear that Apaf1 plays a key role in developmental programmed cell death. In particular, it is involved in histogenetic cell death, phylogenetic cell death and morphogenetic cell death.
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Article Abstract:
Mice containing an inactive homeobox Cdx1 gene show an anterior homeotic transformation of the vertebrae and a downward shift in Hox gene expression. The mutants contain an incomplete first vertebrae which is fused to the basioccipital bone. The Hox-3 gene is expressed in the sixth vertebrae instead of the fifth. Cdx1 probably acts on the Hox genes as the Hox control sequences show Cdx1-binding regions. The fertility and viability of the mutants are unaffected.
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Article Abstract:
The discovery of a cluster of 12 related homeobox genes on the X chromosome expressed in male and female reproductive tissues in adult mice are reported. These reproductive homeobox on the X chromosome genes are expressed in cell type-specific manner.
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