2002/10/01 by Grace Panganiban, John L.R. Rubenstein · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation #Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities #Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancer #Biology #Homeobox #DLX5 #Vertebrate #Appendage #POU domain #Gene #Transcription factor #Limb development #Hox gene #Genetics #Anatomy #Evolutionary biology
paper · doi:10.1242/dev.129.19.4371
openalex publication_date 2002/10/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Distal-less is the earliest known gene specifically expressed in developing insect limbs; its expression is maintained throughout limb development. The homeodomain transcription factor encoded by Distal-less is required for the elaboration of proximodistal pattern elements in Drosophila limbs and can initiate proximodistal axis formation when expressed ectopically. Distal-less homologs, the Dlx genes, are expressed in developing appendages in at least six phyla, including chordates, consistent with requirements for Dlx function in normal appendage development across the animal kingdom. Recent work implicates the Dlx genes of vertebrates in a variety of other developmental processes ranging from neurogenesis to hematopoiesis. We review what is known about the invertebrate and vertebrate Dll/Dlx genes and their varied roles during development. We propose revising the vertebrate nomenclature to reflect phylogenetic relationships among the Dlx genes.