The flamingo-related mouse Celsr family (Celsr1-3) genes exhibit distinct patterns of expression during embryonic development

We have isolated cDNAs for three members of a family of seven-pass transmem brane cadherins in mouse (Celsr1, 2 and 3). These three genes represent ver tebrate homologues of flamingo/starry night, recently identified as an esse ntial component of the Drosophila planar cell polarity pathway and for the correct formation of dendritic fields within the Drosophila peripheral nerv ous system. In this study, we show that each member of the mouse Celsr fami ly exhibit distinct patterns of expression within a range of different tiss ues within the developing embryo. Celsr1 and Celsr2 expression is observed during gastrulation and within the developing nervous system. Celsr3 transc ripts, however, are found only at sites of active neurogenesis. (C) 2001 El sevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.