Characterisation of the proximal regulatory domain of the Echinococcus granulosus homeodomain-containing gene EgHbx1

Abstract

In an attempt to understand the molecular basis of the development of Echinococcus granulosus, we have previously isolated several homeobox-containing genes ( EgHbx1–5). Here we report the characterisation of the EgHbx1 proximal regulatory domain. EgHbx1 codes for an amino acid sequence presenting 90% identity at the homeodomain level with the Drosophila melanogaster NK1-S59 transcription factor. The proximal regulatory domain sequence and the transcription start site were determined. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using nuclear extracts from protoscoleces revealed the presence of specific DNA–protein complexes. These results constitute a hint and provide new tools to decipher regulatory cascades during E. granulosus development.