Abstract
The Dmrt genes encode the transcription factor containing the DM (doublesex and mab-3) domain, an intertwined zinc finger-like DNA binding module. While Dmrt genes are mainly involved in the sexual development of various species, recent studies have revealed that Dmrt genes, which belong to the DmrtA subfamily, are differentially expressed in the embryonic brain and spinal cord and are essential for the development of the central nervous system. Herein, we summarize recent studies that reveal the multiple functions of the Dmrt genes in various aspects of vertebrate neural development, including brain patterning, neurogenesis, and the specification of neurons.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONThe Dmrt (double-sex and mab-3 related transcription factor) genes encode a large family of transcription factors involved in sexual development (Zarkower, 2001; Kopp, 2012)
The Dmrt genes encode a large family of transcription factors involved in sexual development (Zarkower, 2001; Kopp, 2012)
Dmrt Functions During CNS Development recent findings, including ours, this review focuses on various functions of Dmrt genes, especially DmrtA subfamily members, in central nervous system (CNS) development
Summary
The Dmrt (double-sex and mab-3 related transcription factor) genes encode a large family of transcription factors involved in sexual development (Zarkower, 2001; Kopp, 2012). First identified as Doublesex in Drosophila and MAB-3 in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), the Dmrt family proteins share a DM (doublesex and mab-3) domain that consists of a highly intertwined zinc finger DNA-binding motif (Erdman and Burtis, 1993; Raymond et al, 1998). It has been reported that the DMA domain is required for the activity of the Dmrt protein (Parlier et al, 2013). Dmrt-family genes are primarily involved in the development of sexual organs. In addition to the development of sexual organs, the Dmrt factors are involved in various events during embryonic development (Hong et al, 2007; Bellefroid et al, 2013). Dmrt Functions During CNS Development recent findings, including ours, this review focuses on various functions of Dmrt genes, especially DmrtA subfamily members, in central nervous system (CNS) development
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