We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 4 case-control studies to explore the association between polymorphisms of Msh homeobox 1 (MSX1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) genes and hypodontia. A total of 643 tooth agenesis cases and 733 healthy controls were included in this study. The meta-analysis results showed that the T allele and T carrier (CT + TT) of rs1095 in the MSX1 ge...

BACKGROUND Dental agenesis is the most common, often heritable, developmental anomaly in humans. Mutations in MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2 and the ectodermal dysplasia genes EDA, EDAR and EDARADD have been detected in familial severe tooth agenesis. However, until recently, in the majority of cases (∼90%) the genetic factor could not be identified, implying that other genes must be involved. Recent insigh...

Bidirectional transcription, leading to the expression of an antisense (AS) RNA partially complementary to the protein coding sense (S) RNA, is an emerging subject in mammals and has been associated with various processes such as RNA interference, imprinting and transcription inhibition. Homeobox genes do not escape this bidirectional transcription, raising the possibility that such AS transcri...

Mammalian embryonic diapause is a phenomenon defined by the temporary arrest in blastocyst growth and metabolic activity within the uterus which synchronously becomes quiescent to blastocyst activation and implantation. This reproductive strategy temporally uncouples conception from parturition until environmental or maternal conditions are favourable for the survival of the mother and newborn....

Gene regulatory networks are key elements for understanding how the different central nervous system regions differentiate. In recent years our group has done an extensive molecular characterization of the chicken pretectal region, obtaining a precise map of AP and DV molecular codes with respect to differential histogenetic pattern (Ferran et al., 2007; 2009, in press). As in other CNS regions...

Gene regulatory networks are key elements for understanding how the different central nervous system regions differentiate. In recent years our group has done an extensive molecular characterization of the chicken pretectal region, obtaining a precise map of AP and DV molecular codes with respect to differential histogenetic pattern (Ferran et al., 2007; 2009, in press). As in other CNS regions...

The homeobox-containing genes Msx1 and Msx2 are highly expressed in the limb field from the earliest stages of limb formation and, subsequently, in both the apical ectodermal ridge and underlying mesenchyme. However, mice homozygous for a null mutation in either Msx1 or Msx2 do not display abnormalities in limb development. By contrast, Msx1; Msx2 double mutants exhibit a severe limb phenotype....

Non‑syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common congenital deformity, often associated with missing or deformed teeth. The genes interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6), muscle segment homeobox 1 (MSX1) and paired box gene 9 (PAX9) are important for the development of the maxillofacial region and dentition. The aim of this study was to explore how genetic variations in I...

The process of cellular differentiation culminating in terminally differentiated mammalian cells is thought to be irreversible. Here, we present evidence that terminally differentiated murine myotubes can be induced to dedifferentiate. Ectopic expression of msx1 in C2C12 myotubes reduced the nuclear muscle proteins MyoD, myogenin, MRF4, and p21 to undetectable levels in 20%-50% of the myotubes....

Tooth agenesis denotes a condition where teeth are missing due to a developmental failure. According to severity, this malformation can be subdivided into hypodontia, oligodontia and anodontia. With a frequency of 20–30%, tooth agenesis is the most prevalent dental dysplasia, but not all teeth are equally affected. Familial occurrence and concordance in twins indicate potential genetic causes. ...