EMBRYONIC EXPRESSION AND DNA-BINDING PROPERTIES OF ZEBRAFISH PAX-6

Zebrafish pax-6 (pax[zf-a]) and its murine homologue are structurally and functionally related to the Drosophila paired box gene eyeless, a master control gene for eye development. This report details the zebra fish pax-6 embryonic expression pattern both at the mRNA and protein l evel. Transcripts are first detected in the presumptive forebrain and hindbrain regions of the neural plate. After formation of the neural k eel, Pax-6 protein accumulates within the same two domains. Expression is also observed in the optic vesicles and lens placodes,confirming t hat the Pax-6 protein is expressed in those areas of the eye where it is assumed to control differentiation. The relative DNA-binding affini ty of the zebrafish Pax-6 protein to different categories of Pax recog nition sites is shared with the murine homologue. (C) 1995 Academic Pr ess, Inc.