Abstract
We report here that misexpression of the transcription factor Pax6 in the vertebrate Xenopus laevis leads to the formation of differentiated ectopic eyes. Multiple molecular markers indicated the presence of mature lens fiber cells, ganglion cells, Müller cells, photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells in a spatial arrangement similar to that of endogenous eyes. Lineage tracing experiments showed that lens, retina and retinal pigment epithelium arose as a consequence of the cell-autonomous function of Pax6. These experiments also reveal that the cell autonomous activity of misexpressed Pax6 causes the ectopic expression of a number of genes including Rx, Otx2, Six3 and endogenous Pax6, each of which has been implicated in eye development. The formation of ectopic and endogenous eyes could be suppressed by coexpression of a dominant-negative form of Pax6. These data show that in vertebrates, as in the invertebrate Drosophila melanogaster, Pax6 is both necessary and sufficient to trigger the cascade of events required for eye formation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
