Differential expression of Tbx4 and Tbx5 in Zebrafish fin buds

In here we report the identification of two new members of the T-box gene f amily, Zf-tbx5 and zf-tbx4, from the Zebrafish, Danio rerio. The amino acid sequences within the T-box domain share high homology with the mouse, chic k, and newt orthologs. Whole mount in situ hybridization revealed specific expression of these genes in the eye and Fin buds. zf-tbx5 expression is re stricted to the pectoral Fin bud, whilst zf-tbx4 transcripts are confined i n the pelvic Fin bud. These results reveal the conserved expression pattern of Tbx5 and Tbx4 during appendage development in all animal species studie d to date. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.