Mouse models to gain insight into brain morphogenesis and evolution

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Project objective

Recent studies suggest that the basic genetic programs controlling the development of the animal brain are highly conserved through evolution from insects to vertebrates. The host group is involved in the functional study of the murine homologs of the Drosophila empty spiracles (ems), ortodenticle (otd) ortopedia (Dm otp) and Distal-less (Dll) homeobox-containing genes. This study is based on the production of murine mutants obtained by gene targeting. Null mutants for the Otxl, Otx2 and Otp genes, produced by the host lab, revealed that they are involved in morphogene sis and patterning of brain and sense organs. My project will consist in the production and analysis of two murine mutants: in the former, Otxl will be replaced by the Drosophila otd gene to analyze conservative functions in head evolution, and in the latter, Dlxl will be replaced by the Otp gene, to identify possible rules outlining correct segment identity in the hypothalamus.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ITALY · BOLOGNACoordinatorItaly
• Not availableCity levelSpain

Links

• View on CORDIS