ANALYSIS OF MYOD, MYOGENIN, AND MUSCLE-SPECIFIC GENE MESSENGER-RNAS IN REGENERATING XENOPUS SKELETAL-MUSCLE

We have analyzed in adult Xenopus laevis, using in situ hybridization, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of MyoD, myogenin, and a lpha-skeletal actin and fast myosin heavy chain mRNAs during muscle re generation following cardiotoxin injury. MyoD transcripts could be det ected in the satellite cells as early as the first stage of regenerati on and were expressed persistently throughout the regeneration process . Myogenin mRNAs were transiently expressed in forming myotubes. alpha -Skeletal actin and fast myosin heavy chain mRNAs were detected precoc iously, before the young myotube stage. This work has shown, for the f irst time, the presence of myogenin transcripts during Xenopus myogene sis. (C) 1996 Wiley Liss, Inc.