Abstract

Hox genes encode master regulators of body plan during embryonic development. In land and avian (bird) vertebrates there are four clusters of Hox genes (A, B, C, D). Patterns of Hox expression (paralogs 5-8), in our work specifically Hoxc5, c6, c8, and Hoxd8 in the forelimb forelimb area have been determined, using the chicken (Gallus gallus) as our model organism. These data help complete the known Hox gene expression patterns for early forelimb development for all four land and avian vertebrates. Potential Hox, Box-associated, and homeodomain core binding sites in genes inducing the forelimb (Tbx5, Salli, Sall4, and Fgf10) have been predicted through comparative genomics, including the use of sequence alignment, phylogenetic footprinting, and related analyses. We have also used comparative genomics to predict potential Lmx1b core binding sites in the Emx2 gene. Both Lmxlb and Emx2 are factors involved in forelimb and shoulder girdle dorsalization.

LLU Discipline

Biology

Department

Biology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

Kerby C. Oberg

Second Advisor

Roland L. Carter

Third Advisor

William H. Fletcher

Fourth Advisor

Lora Green

Fifth Advisor

William K. Hayes

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2007

Date (Title Page)

3-2007

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Embryology; Developmental biology; Vertebrates; Morphogenesis; Extremities; Forelimb.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xvii; 338

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

Included in

Biology Commons

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