Mutations in the aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene are associated with multiple neurologic disorders in humans. Studies in mice indicate Arx plays a role in neuronal progenitor proliferation and development of the cerebral cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, striatum, and olfactory bulbs. Specific defects associated with Arx loss of function include abnormal interneuron migration and subtype di...

Cleft palate is among the most common birth defects in humans. Previous studies have shown that Shh signaling plays critical roles in palate development and regulates expression of several members of the forkhead-box (Fox) family transcription factors, including Foxf1 and Foxf2, in the facial primordia. Although cleft palate has been reported in mice deficient in Foxf2, whether Foxf2 plays an i...

The incidence of limb bone fracture and subsequent morbidity and mortality due to excessive bone loss is increasing in the progressively ageing populations of both men and women. In contrast to bone loss in the weight-bearing limb, bone mass in the protective skull vault is maintained. One explanation for this could be anatomically diverse bone matrix characteristics generated by heterogeneous ...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia in human population, with an estimated incidence of 1–2% young adults but increasing to more than 10% 80+ years patients. Pituitary Homeobox 2, Paired Like Homeodomain 2 (PITX2c) loss-of-function mice revealed that this homeodomain (HD)-containing transcription factor plays a pivotal role atrial electrophysiology and calcium homeost...

RATIONALE A cell-based biological pacemaker is based on the differentiation of stem cells and the selection of a population displaying the molecular and functional properties of native sinoatrial node (SAN) cardiomyocytes. So far, such selection has been hampered by the lack of proper markers. CD166 is specifically but transiently expressed in the mouse heart tube and sinus venosus, the prospec...

ALTERATIONS OF DNA METHYLATION AND HISTONE MODIFICATION IN CANCER Epigenetics is an acquired modification of methylation and/or acetylation of chromatin DNA or histone proteins, which regulates downstream gene expression. Epigenetic alterations can be induced by aging, chronic inflammation and viral infection. Aberrant DNA methylation and/or histone modification at the CpG island promoter may i...

Background Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease, can cause severe pelvic pain. Studies demonstrated the presence of sensory nerve fibers in endometrium of endometriosis patient. Nevertheless, no information is available on mechanisms of sensory nerve formation in eutopic or ectopic lesions. Since HOX genes have important roles in both reproductive tract and nerve growth, we decided t...