Expression patterns of the Wtx/Amer gene family during mouse embryonic development

Abstract

WTX/AMER1 is a novel negative regulator of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway with mutations detected in Wilms' tumors and an X-linked sclerosing bone dysplasia. WTX/AMER1 (Fam123b) shares several domains of homology with two other recently identified proteins: AMER2 (Fam123a) and AMER3 (Fam123c). Here, we describe an in-depth expression analysis of all three members of this gene family during mouse embryonic development. All genes were strongly expressed in the central as well as the peripheral nervous system, thus suggesting important roles of this gene family during neurogenesis. Specific expression was found in the retina, inner ear, and nasal epithelium. Outside of the nervous system Wtx/Amer1 showed the broadest expression domains including cephalic and limb mesenchyme, skeletal muscle, bladder, gonads, lung bud, salivary glands, and the kidneys. The widespread expression pattern of Wtx/Amer1, together with its role as a modulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, suggest that Wtx/Amer1 serves pleiotropic roles during mammalian organogenesis.