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Gene Expression Profiling Within the Developing Neural Tube

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Abstract

The developing mammalian nervous system is subject to devastating congenital malformations with clinical significance that extends into the billions of health care dollars annually worldwide. Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common of all human congenital defects, yet their etiology remains poorly understood. This is largely due to the complexity of the genetic factors regulating the intricate events involved in neurulation. Using mouse model systems and the application of modern molecular biological technologies, we have recently gained a greater appreciation for the factors that not only regulate normal neural tube closure (NTC), but those genetic factors that predispose an embryo to significant birth defects such as anencephaly or spina bifida. We have selected prominent murine mutants, both spontaneous and genetically modified, as well as the use of teratogenic agents, to examine the impact of altering the normal pattern of gene expression in the developing neural tube.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030-3303

    Richard H. Finnell & Robert M. Cabrera

  2. Center for Environmental and Rural Health, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, 77843

    Richard H. Finnell

  3. Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030-3303

    Wade M. Junker

  4. Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, 751 23

    Lisa Kvist Wadman

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Finnell, R.H., Junker, W.M., Wadman, L.K. et al. Gene Expression Profiling Within the Developing Neural Tube. Neurochem Res 27, 1165–1180 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020977409850

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