Mil, Brg1 and Bmt are vertebrate homologues of Drosophila trithorax group (
trxG) genes. We isolated chicken Mll cDNA clones, and examined patterns of
Mil, Brg1 and Brm expression in chick embryos. All three genes were express
ed from embryonic stage 2 onwards. Mll transcripts were just detectable in
all tissues by in situ hybridization, with highest levels in dorsal neural
tube and notochord. Brg1 transcripts were readily detectable in all tissues
, with highest levels in dorsal neural tube, dorsal trunk epithelium and li
mb bud epithelium and mesenchyme. Brm transcripts were more restricted, bei
ng found in dermomyotome, notochord, dorsal limb bud epithelium, eye and th
e roof and floor plates of the neural tube. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Irela
nd Ltd. All rights reserved.