Xpitx-1: a homeobox gene expressed during pituitary and cement gland formation of Xenopus embryos

Pitx-1 is a member of the family of bicoid-related vertebrate homeobox gene s; it was originally identified as a tissue-specific transcriptional regula tor of the proopiomelacortin gene. Here we report on the embryonic expressi on of Xpitx-1, which is expressed in the anterior neural ridge and in the c ement gland Anlage during late gastrulation/early neurulation. In tadpole s tage embryos Xpitx-1 transcripts are primarily detected in the cement gland , stomodeal-hypophyseal Anlage, oral epithelia and lens placode. Therefore, Xpitx-1 may be part of the genetic network that controls the early develop ment of these structures. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.