Trends in Genetics
Volume 11, Issue 10, October 1995, Pages 405-411
Journal home page for Trends in Genetics

Review
The function and evolution of Msx genes: pointers and paradoxes

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-9525(00)89124-6Get rights and content

Abstract

The Msx genes of vertebrates comprise a small family of chromosomally unlinked homeobox-containing genes related to the Drosophila gene muscle-segment homeobox (msb). Despite their ancient pedigree, the Msx genes are expressed in a range of vertebrate-specific tissues, including neural crest, cranial sensory placodes, bone and teeth. They are active in numerous systems, which have been used as models to study pattern formation and tissue interaction, and are, therefore, attracting a growing interest among developmental biologists. But beyond their presumed role as transcription factors, we do not know what their functions are in the cell or the embryo. Here, I review recent evidence that is beginning to address this problem and might eventually increase our understanding of how the vertebrate embryo has evolved.

References (64)

  • J.R. Bell

    Genomics

    (1993)
  • P.W. Holland

    Gene

    (1991)
  • S. Vainio

    Cell

    (1993)
  • K. Basler

    Cell

    (1993)
  • Y-H. Liu

    Mech. Dev.

    (1994)
  • C.N.D. Coelho et al.

    Dev. Biol.

    (1993)
  • M.A. Ros

    Dev. Biol.

    (1994)
  • Y. Wang et al.

    Dev. Biol.

    (1995)
  • M. Kuzuoka

    Genomics

    (1994)
  • S. Hayashi et al.

    Cell

    (1990)
  • E.W. Jabs

    Cell

    (1993)
  • J.E. Hodgkinson

    Biochim. Biophys. Acta

    (1993)
  • D.M. Kingsley

    Trends Genet.

    (1994)
  • K. Muneoka et al.

    Dev. Biol.

    (1992)
  • B.A. Barres et al.

    Neuron

    (1994)
  • J.E. Hewitt

    Genomics

    (1991)
  • T. Nohno

    Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.

    (1992)
  • C.N.D. Coelho

    Mech. Dev.

    (1991)
  • M. Ekker

    Neuron

    (1992)
  • H.R. Suzuki

    Dev. Biol.

    (1991)
  • D.R. Davidson et al.

    Semin. Dev. Biol.

    (1992)
  • R.E. Hill

    Genes Dev.

    (1989)
  • B. Robert

    EMBO J.

    (1989)
  • Y. Takahashi et al.
  • M.W. Su

    Development

    (1991)
  • D.R. Davidson

    Nature

    (1991)
  • B. Robert

    Genes Dev.

    (1991)
  • Y. Takahashi et al.

    EMBO J.

    (1991)
  • J.M. Brown

    Development

    (1993)
  • A.K. Jowett

    Development

    (1993)
  • A. Pavlova

    Development

    (1994)
  • C.M. Jones et al.

    Development

    (1991)
  • Cited by (312)

    • Msx1 is essential for proper rostral tip formation of the mouse mandible

      2023, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    • The C-terminal region including the MH6 domain of Msx1 regulates skeletal development

      2020, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    View all citing articles on Scopus
    View full text