nkx2.1 and nkx2.4 genes function partially redundant during development of the zebrafish hypothalamus, preoptic region, and pallidum

02.12.2014

Manoli M, Driever W.

Front Neuroanat. 2014;8:145

Front Neuroanat.         online article

The relative contributions of Nkx2.1 and Nkx2.4 transcription factors to forebrain development are poorly understood. We analysed functions of nkx2.1 and two paralogous nkx2.4a to nkx2.4b genes by triple morpholino knockdown, resulting in a loss of posterior tubercular and hypothalamic structures, and of rostral and intermediate hypothalamus, while a residual preoptic region still develops. The reduction of the ventral diencephalon was accompanied by dorsalization of the basal hypothalamus as judged from pax6 expression. Within the telencephalon we observed a loss of pallidal markers, while striatum and pallium are forming.