GSH-1 - A NOVEL MURINE HOMEOBOX GENE EXPRESSED IN THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM

We report the characterization of Gsh-1, a novel murine homeobox gene. Northern blot analysis revealed a transcript of approximately 2 kb in size present at embryonic days 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5 of development, T he cDNA sequence encoded a proline rich motif, a polyalanine tract, an d a homeodomain with strong homology to those encoded by the clustered Hox genes. The Gsh-1 expression pattern was determined for days E8.5 to E13.5 by whole mount and serial section in situ hybridizations. Gsh -1 transcription was restricted to the central nervous system. Express ion is present in the neural tube and hindbrain as two continuous, bil aterally symmetrical stripes within neural epithelial tissue. In the m esencephalon, expression is seen as a band across the most anterior po rtion. There is also diencephalon expression in the anlagen of the tha lamus and the hypothalamus as well as in the optic stalk, optic recess , and the ganglionic eminence. Moreover, through the use of fusion pro teins containing the Gsh-1 homeodomain, we have determined the consens us DNA binding site of the Gsh-1 homeoprotein to be GC(T)/(A)(C)/(C)AT TA(G)/(A). (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.