THE MOUSE HOXC11 GENE - GENOMIC STRUCTURE AND EXPRESSION PATTERN

The mouse and human Hox complex consists of 39 genes in four linkage g roups (A-D). Although the structure and expression patterns of most of these genes have been reported, the 5' members of the Hox C linkage g roup have been only partially characterized. Herein we report the prim ary and genomic structure of the mouse Hoxc11 gene as well as its expr ession pattern. The Hoxc11 gene encodes a 304 amino acid protein which is translated from a 2.2 kb transcript, derived from two exons. Hoxc1 1 mRNA is found in the most posterior region of the developing embryo commencing at 9.5 days of gestation. Expression is detected in the pos terior neural tube, dorsal root ganglia, prevertebrae and hindlimbs. E xpression is also found in metanephric mesenchyme which, later in deve lopment, becomes restricted to the cortical region of the developing k idney. In the developing genitalia, prominent expression is first obse rved in the posterior urogenital sinus that gives rise to the urethra, vagina and prostate. Later, expression is seen in paramesonephric and mesonephric ducts and in the genital tubercle. In the hindlimbs, Hoxc 11 expression is seen in the mesenchyme posterior to the region formin g the femur and fibula, but does not extend anteriorly to the region g iving rise to the tibia or distally to the tarsal bones. (C) 1998 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd.