High impact information on dlx3b

• Later, cells aligned with the future axes of the semicircular canals specifically express either dlx-3 or msh-D [1].
• Even later, sensory hair cells express msh-C and msh-D, while other cells of the epithelium express dlx-3 [1].
• Cells in the ectoderm express dlx-3 before induction of the otic vesicle, suggesting that dlx-3 has an early function in this process [1].
• We analyzed pituitary precursor cell lineages and find that pitx3 and distal-less3b (dlx3b) expression domains define lens and pituitary precursor positions [2].
• Combined loss of Fgf signaling and the three transcription factor genes, dlx3b, dlx4b and sox9a, also completely eliminates all indications of otic cells [3].

Biological context of dlx3b

• We isolated three zebrafish genes, dlx2, dlx3, and dlx4, by screening embryonic cDNA libraries [4].
• At the same time, Msx-depletion restores normal preplacodal gene expression to dlx3b-dlx4b mutants [5].
• These effects were made manifest at early stages of otic development by an absence of early placode markers (pax2.1 and dlx3) but were not accompanied by effects on cell division or death [6].
• To determine whether the loss of dlx3 expression was due to cell loss, we assayed cell death by using TUNEL labeling [7].

Anatomical context of dlx3b

• Removal of dlx3b, dlx4b and sox9a genes together also blocks ear development, although a few residual cells form an otic epithelium [3].
• Inhibition of dlx3b and dlx4b protein and activity resulted in the reduction or complete loss of Rohon-Beard (RB) sensory neurons and trigeminal (TG) sensory placodes [8].
• Although cell death in the mutant was not concentrated in the region of dlx3 expression, there was increased cell death in the forebrain, epiphysis, and jaw region, as compared with that in wild-type controls [7].

Other interactions of dlx3b

• Depletion of both foxi1 and dlx3b results in a complete ablation of otic placode formation [9].
• Presumptive precursor cells of the olfactory placodes express dlx3 and dlx4 but not dlx2 [4].

References