Developmental expression of the Xenopus Nkx2-1 and Nkx2-4 genes

The homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2-1 (TTF-1) plays an essential role in the development of the thyroid, lung and ventral forebrain. We report t he cloning and developmental expression patterns of two Xenopus NK-2 genes, Nkx2-1 and Nkx2-4 that are closely related to Nkx2-1. These genes show rea dily distinguishable expression patterns during development. Similar to its orthologues in chicken and mouse, the Xenopus Nkx2-1 gene is expressed in the developing thyroid, lung, and ventral forebrain. In contrast, expressio n of Nkx2-4 is specifically localized to the ventral diencephalon. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.