A gene encoding a new ONECUT class homeodomain protein in the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi functions in the differentiation and specification of neural cells in ascidian embryogenesis.

Abstract

Genes encoding a novel group of homeodomain transcription factors, ONECUT class homeodomain proteins, have previously been isolated from vertebrate and insect. Among them, vertebrate HNF-6 is expressed in hepatocytes and the central nervous system during embryogenesis. Although the functions of HNF-6 in hepatocytes have been well studied, the functions of HNF-6 in the central nervous system remain unknown. In this study, we isolated HrHNF-6, which encodes a new ONECUT class homeodomain protein, from an ascidian, Halocynthia roretzi. HrHNF-6 mRNA was expressed exclusively in neural cells, just posterior to the expression of Hroth during embryogenesis. One of the functions of HrHNF-6 in neural cells is the activation of the expression of HrTBB2, the ascidian beta-tubulin gene. Another is the restriction of the expression of HrPax-258 (which is expressed in the neural tube), suggesting that HrHNF-6 functions in the specification of the neural tube. These results indicate that HrHNF-6 functions in the differentiation and regional specification of neural cells during ascidian embryogenesis.