Abstract

Engrailed is a homeoprotein transcription factor. This family of transcription factors is characterized by their DNA-binding homeodomain and some members, including Engrailed, can transfer between cells and regulate protein translation in addition to gene transcription. Engrailed is intimately involved in the development of the vertebrate visual system. Early expression of Engrailed in dorsal mesencephalon contributes to the development and organization of a visual structure, the optic tectum/superior colliculus. This structure is an important target for retinal ganglion cell axons that carry visual information from the retina. Engrailed regulates the expression of Ephrin axon guidance cues in the tectum/superior colliculus. More recently it has been reported that Engrailed itself acts as an axon guidance cue in synergy with the Ephrin system and is proposed to enhance retinal topographic precision.

Highlights

  • Since the discovery of homeobox genes [1, 2] there has been accumulating evidence from all multi-cellular organisms that these genes play key roles in determining positional information

  • The homeoprotein transcription factor Engrailed contributes to the development of the visual system development in vertebrates in invertebrates

  • While it is involved in eye development in invertebrates, Engrailed influences the development of visual structures in vertebrates in several ways

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Summary

Introduction

Since the discovery of homeobox genes [1, 2] there has been accumulating evidence from all multi-cellular organisms that these genes play key roles in determining positional information. Expression of Engrailed in dorsal mesencephalon contributes to the development and organization of a visual structure, the optic tectum/superior colliculus. Engrailed regulates the expression of Ephrin axon guidance cues in the tectum/superior colliculus.

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Conclusion

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