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Expression of FoxE and FoxQ genes in the endostyle of Ciona intestinalis

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Abstract

We have analyzed the expression patterns of two Fox genes, FoxE and FoxQ, in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis. Expression of Ci-FoxE was specific to the endostyle of adults, being prominent in the thyroid-equivalent region of zone 7. Ci-FoxQ was expressed in several endodermal organs of adult ascidians, such as the endostyle, branchial sac and esophagus. In the endostyle, the pattern of Ci-FoxQ expression was similar to that of CiTTF-1, being prominent in the thyroid-equivalent regions of zones 7 and 8. Therefore, these Fox genes may perform thyroid-equivalent functions in the ascidian endostyle.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Akane Sasaki for her technical help. This work was supported by Grants-in-Aid from the MEXT Japan to M.O. (14034210) and to Y.S. (13044001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage-ku, 263-8522, Chiba, Japan

    Michio Ogasawara

  2. Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, 606-8502, Kyoto, Japan

    Yutaka Satou

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  1. Michio Ogasawara
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  2. Yutaka Satou
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Correspondence to Michio Ogasawara.

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Edited by N. Satoh

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Ogasawara, M., Satou, Y. Expression of FoxE and FoxQ genes in the endostyle of Ciona intestinalis . Dev Genes Evol 213, 416–419 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00427-003-0342-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00427-003-0342-8

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