Mice homozygous for a targeted disruption of Hoxd-3 (Hox-4.1) exhibit anterior transformations of the first and second cervical vertebrae, the atlas and the axis

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 579-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.G. Condie ◽  
M.R. Capecchi
Keyword(s):  
Hox Genes ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Targeted Disruption ◽  
Paralogous Genes ◽  
Variable Extent ◽  
Basioccipital Bone

Gene targeting in embryo-derived stem (ES) cells was used to generate mice with a disruption in the homeobox-containing gene Hoxd-3 (Hox-4.1). Mice homozygous for this mutation show a radically remodeled craniocervical joint. The anterior arch of the atlas is transformed to an extension of the basioccipital bone of the skull. The lateral masses of the atlas also assume a morphology more closely resembling the exoccipitals and, to a variable extent, fuse with the exoccipitals. Formation of the second cervical vertebra, the axis, is also affected. The dens and the superior facets are deleted, and the axis shows ‘atlas-like’ characteristics. An unexpected observation is that different parts of the same vertebra are differentially affected by the loss of Hoxd-3 function. Some parts are deleted, others are homeotically transformed to more anterior structures. These observations suggest that one role of Hox genes may be to differentially control the proliferation rates of the mesenchymal condensations that give rise to the vertebral cartilages. Within the mouse Hox complex, paralogous genes not only encode very similar proteins but also often exhibit very similar expression patterns. Therefore, it has been postulated that paralogous Hox genes would perform similar roles. Surprisingly, however, no tissues or structures are affected in common by mutations in the two paralogous genes, Hoxa-3 and Hoxd-3.

Dysregulation of HOX as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Yeon Lee ◽  
Myoung Hee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Hox Genes ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Control Cell ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Hox Protein

: HOX genes belong to the highly conserved homeobox superfamily, responsible for the regulation of various cellular processes that control cell homeostasis, from embryogenesis to carcinogenesis. The abnormal expression of HOX genes is observed in various cancers, including breast cancer; they act as oncogenes or as suppressors of cancer, according to context. In this review, we analyze HOX gene expression patterns in breast cancer and examine their relationship, based on the three-dimensional genome structure of the HOX locus. The presence of non-coding RNAs, embedded within the HOX cluster, and the role of these molecules in breast cancer have been reviewed. We further evaluate the characteristic activity of HOX protein in breast cancer and its therapeutic potential.

scholarly journals Hox genes and evolution

F1000Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Hrycaj ◽  
Deneen M. Wellik
Keyword(s):  
Hox Genes ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Body Plan ◽  
Functional Conservation ◽  
Fresh Perspective ◽  
Numerous Data ◽  
Segmental Identity ◽  
Putative Mechanism

Hox proteins are a deeply conserved group of transcription factors originally defined for their critical roles in governing segmental identity along the antero-posterior (AP) axis in Drosophila. Over the last 30 years, numerous data generated in evolutionarily diverse taxa have clearly shown that changes in the expression patterns of these genes are closely associated with the regionalization of the AP axis, suggesting that Hox genes have played a critical role in the evolution of novel body plans within Bilateria. Despite this deep functional conservation and the importance of these genes in AP patterning, key questions remain regarding many aspects of Hox biology. In this commentary, we highlight recent reports that have provided novel insight into the origins of the mammalian Hox cluster, the role of Hox genes in the generation of a limbless body plan, and a novel putative mechanism in which Hox genes may encode specificity along the AP axis. Although the data discussed here offer a fresh perspective, it is clear that there is still much to learn about Hox biology and the roles it has played in the evolution of the Bilaterian body plan.

scholarly journals The role of B-mode ultrasonography in the musculoskeletal anatomical evaluation of the cervical region of the dog spine

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cibely G. Sarto ◽  
Maria Cristina F. N. S. Hage ◽  
Luciana D. Guimarães ◽  
Robson F. Giglio ◽  
Andréa P. B. Borges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Ultrasound Examination ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Musculoskeletal Anatomy

This study characterized the normal musculoskeletal anatomy of the cervical segment of the spine of dogs by means of B-mode ultrasonography. The objective was to establish the role of B-mode ultrasonography for the anatomical evaluation of the cervical spine segment in dogs, by comparing the ultrasonographic findings with images by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination, in transverse and median sagittal sections, allowed to identify a part of the epaxial cervical musculature, the bone surface of the cervical vertebrae and parts of the spinal cord through restricted areas with natural acoustic windows, such as between the atlanto-occipital joint, axis and atlas, and axis and the third cervical vertebra. The images, on transverse and sagittal planes, by low-field magnetic resonance imaging, were superior for the anatomical identification of the structures, due to higher contrast between the different tissues in this modality. Computed tomography showed superiority for bone detailing when compared with ultrasonography. As for magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to the muscles and cervical vertebrae, it is possible to identify the cerebrospinal fluid and differentiate between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs. Although not the scope of this study, with knowledge of the ultrasonographic anatomy of this region, it is believed that some lesions can be identified, yet in a limited manner, when compared with the information obtained mainly with magnetic resonance imaging. The ultrasound examination presented lower morphology diagnostic value compared with the other modalities.

scholarly journals Fusion of C2 and C3: embryological and clinical perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1281-1283
Author(s):  
Parul Kaushal ◽  
Subhash Bhukya
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Complete Fusion ◽  
Articular Facet ◽  
Upper Cervical ◽  
The Right ◽  
Vertebral Arch

Skeletal abnormalities in the upper cervical region may result in severe neck ache, altered mobility, muscular weakness and sensory deficits. Fused cervical vertebrae (FCV) have been reported in literature, however cases with fused articular facets have scarcely been documented. During routine osteology demonstration, we came across fused axis and the 3rd cervical vertebra. There was complete fusion of the vertebral arch on the left side along with complete fusion between the inferior articular facet of C2 and superior articular facet of C3. There was partial fusion between the bodies of the vertebrae and the right half of the vertebral arch. Owing to the vital role of this region in various neck movements and spinal alignment, knowledge of such asymmetric variations in the upper cervical region, is of immense importance to orthopedicians, radiologists, neurosurgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists.Keywords: intubation, synostosis, axis, block vertebrae

scholarly journals HOX Genes in High Grade Ovarian Cancer

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Praveena Idaikkadar ◽  
Richard Morgan ◽  
Agnieszka Michael
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Hox Genes ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Gynaecological Malignancy ◽  
Cellular Identity

HOX genes are highly conserved members of the homeobox superfamily that have a crucial role in determining cellular identity. High grade ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. Our understanding of the role of HOX genes in the oncogenesis of ovarian cancer is evolving, and here we review their dysregulated expression patterns, their function in cell survival and invasion, their potential uses as biomarkers, and ways in which HOX genes are being targeted with new and existing drugs.

scholarly journals Homeotic shift at the dawn of the turtle evolution

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 160933 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Szczygielski
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Crown Group ◽  
Dorsal Vertebra ◽  
Shift Hypothesis

All derived turtles are characterized by one of the strongest reductions of the dorsal elements among Amniota, and have only 10 dorsal and eight cervical vertebrae. I demonstrate that the Late Triassic turtles, which represent successive stages of the shell evolution, indicate that the shift of the boundary between the cervical and dorsal sections of the vertebral column occurred over the course of several million years after the formation of complete carapace. The more generalized reptilian formula of at most seven cervicals and at least 11 dorsals is thus plesiomorphic for Testudinata. The morphological modifications associated with an anterior homeotic change of the first dorsal vertebra towards the last cervical vertebra in the Triassic turtles are partially recapitulated by the reduction of the first dorsal vertebra in crown-group Testudines, and they resemble the morphologies observed under laboratory conditions resulting from the experimental changes of Hox gene expression patterns. This homeotic shift hypothesis is supported by the, unique to turtles, restriction of Hox-5 expression domains, somitic precursors of scapula, and brachial plexus branches to the cervical region, by the number of the marginal scute-forming placodes, which was larger in the Triassic than in modern turtles, and by phylogenetic analyses.

scholarly journals Load Measurement of the Cervical Vertebra C7 and the Head of Passengers of a Car While Driving Across Uneven Terrain

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3849
Author(s):  
Martin Svoboda ◽  
Milan Chalupa ◽  
Karel Jelen ◽  
František Lopot ◽  
Petr Kubový ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Vertical Direction ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Parietal Bone ◽  
The Body ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Dynamic Effects ◽  
The Road ◽  
Real Environment ◽  
On The Road

The article deals with the measurement of dynamic effects that are transmitted to the driver (passenger) when driving in a car over obstacles. The measurements were performed in a real environment on a defined track at different driving speeds and different distributions of obstacles on the road. The reaction of the human organism, respectively the load of the cervical vertebrae and the heads of the driver and passenger, was measured. Experimental measurements were performed for different variants of driving conditions on a 28-year-old and healthy man. The measurement’s main objective was to determine the acceleration values of the seats in the vehicle in the vertical movement of parts of the vehicle cabin and to determine the dynamic effects that are transmitted to the driver and passenger in a car when driving over obstacles. The measurements were performed in a real environment on a defined track at various driving speeds and diverse distributions of obstacles on the road. The acceleration values on the vehicle’s axles and the structure of the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, under the buttocks, at the top of the head (Vertex Parietal Bone) and the C7 cervical vertebra (Vertebra Cervicales), were measured. The result of the experiment was to determine the maximum magnitudes of acceleration in the vertical direction on the body of the driver and the passenger of the vehicle when passing a passenger vehicle over obstacles. The analysis of the experiment’s results is the basis for determining the future direction of the research.

scholarly journals The potential regulatory role of hsa_circ_0004104 in the persistency of atrial fibrillation by promoting cardiac fibrosis via TGF-β pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanfeng Gao ◽  
Ye Liu ◽  
Yuan Fu ◽  
Qianhui Wang ◽  
Zheng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
In Silico Analysis ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Tgf Beta ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Derivation Cohort ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Introduction The progression of paroxysmal AF (PAF) to persistent AF (PsAF) worsens the prognosis of AF, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) were reported to be associated with cardiac fibrosis. In case of the vital role of cardiac fibrosis in AF persistency, we hypothesis that circRNAs may be potential regulators in the process of AF progression. Materials and methods 6 persistent and 6 paroxysmal AF patients were enrolled as derivation cohort. Plasma circRNAs expressions were determined by microarray and validated by RT-PCR. Fibrosis level, manifested by serum TGF-β, was determined by ELISA. Pathways and related non-coding RNAs involving in the progression of AF regulated were predicted by in silico analysis. Results PsAF patients showed a distinct circRNAs expression profile with 92 circRNAs significantly dysregulated (fold change ≥ 2, p < 0.05), compared with PAF patients. The validity of the expression patterns was subsequently validated by RT-PCR in another 60 AF patients (30 PsAF and PAF, respectively). In addition, all the 5 up and down regulated circRNAs were clustered in MAPK and TGF-beta signaling pathway by KEGG pathway analysis. Among the 5 circRNAs, hsa_circ_0004104 was consistently downregulated in PsAF group (0.6 ± 0.33 vs 1.46 ± 0.41, p < 0.001) and predicted to target several AF and/or cardiac fibrosis related miRNAs reported by previous studies. In addition, TGF-β1 level was significantly higher in the PsAF group (5560.23 ± 1833.64 vs 2236.66 ± 914.89, p < 0.001), and hsa_circ_0004104 showed a significant negative correlation with TGF-β1 level (r = − 0.797, p < 0.001). Conclusion CircRNAs dysregulation plays vital roles in AF persistency. hsa_circ_0004104 could be a potential regulator and biomarker in AF persistency by promoting cardiac fibrosis via targeting MAPK and TGF-beta pathways.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Expression of Testicular TAS1R3 from Prepuberty to Sexual Maturity in Congjiang Xiang Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 437
Author(s):  
Ting Gong ◽  
Weiyong Wang ◽  
Houqiang Xu ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Xiang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Receptor Type ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Early Puberty ◽  
Specific Expression

Testicular expression of taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 (T1R3), a sweet/umami taste receptor, has been implicated in spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in mice. We explored the role of testicular T1R3 in porcine postnatal development using the Congjiang Xiang pig, a rare Chinese miniature pig breed. Based on testicular weights, morphology, and testosterone levels, four key developmental stages were identified in the pig at postnatal days 15–180 (prepuberty: 30 day; early puberty: 60 day; late puberty: 90 day; sexual maturity: 120 day). During development, testicular T1R3 exhibited stage-dependent and cell-specific expression patterns. In particular, T1R3 levels increased significantly from prepuberty to puberty (p < 0.05), and expression remained high until sexual maturity (p < 0.05), similar to results for phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2). The strong expressions of T1R3/PLCβ2 were observed at the cytoplasm of elongating/elongated spermatids and Leydig cells. In the eight-stage cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in pigs, T1R3/PLCβ2 levels were higher in the spermatogenic epithelium at stages II–VI than at the other stages, and the strong expressions were detected in elongating/elongated spermatids and residual bodies. The message RNA (mRNA) levels of taste receptor type 1 subunit 1 (T1R1) in the testis showed a similar trend to levels of T1R3. These data indicate a possible role of T1R3 in the regulation of spermatid differentiation and Leydig cell function.

scholarly journals Role of miRNAs in Normal Endometrium and in Endometrial Disorders: Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (16) ◽  
pp. 3457
Author(s):  
Kamila Kolanska ◽  
Sofiane Bendifallah ◽  
Geoffroy Canlorbe ◽  
Arsène Mekinian ◽  
Cyril Touboul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endometrial Cancer ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Mirna Regulation ◽  
Rigorous Analysis ◽  
Sexual Hormones ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Normal Endometrium ◽  
Gynecological Disorders

The molecular responses to hormonal stimuli in the endometrium are modulated at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional stages. Any imbalance in cellular and molecular endometrial homeostasis may lead to gynecological disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in a wide variety of physiological mechanisms and their expression patterns in the endometrium are currently attracting a lot of interest. miRNA regulation could be hormone dependent. Conversely, miRNAs could regulate the action of sexual hormones. Modifications to miRNA expression in pathological situations could either be a cause or a result of the existing pathology. The complexity of miRNA actions and the diversity of signaling pathways controlled by numerous miRNAs require rigorous analysis and findings need to be interpreted with caution. Alteration of miRNA expression in women with endometriosis has been reported. Thus, a potential diagnostic test supported by a specific miRNA signature could contribute to early diagnosis and a change in the therapeutic paradigm. Similarly, specific miRNA profile signatures are expected for RIF and endometrial cancer, with direct implications for associated therapies for RIF and adjuvant therapies for endometrial cancer. Advances in targeted therapies based on the regulation of miRNA expression are under evaluation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document