MSX1 antibody

Background of MSX1 antibody

In vertebrates the Msx genes are comprise of a small family of chromosomally unlinked homeobox-containing genes related to drosophila gene muscle-segment homeobox (Msh). The pedigree of Msx genes goes back to ancient times, but these genes are expressed in a range of vertebrate tissues including neuronal crest, cranial, sensory placodes, bone and teeth (1). Msx genes have been used as models to study pattern formation and tissue interaction and therefore are growing interest among developmental biologist. Msx proteins have homeodomain, a DNA binding domain that is involved in the transcriptional regulation of key eukaryotic developmental process. The Msx genes bind to DNA as monomers or as homo- and or heterodimers in a DNA sequence specific manner. Beside their presumed role as transcriptional regulators, no other function to these proteins have been ascertained in tissues or embryo. Further understanding of these genes may eventually increase our understanding of how the vertebrate embryo has evolved.
Teeth are vertebrate specific organs, beside variation in tooth number, size and shape many non mammalian vertebrates have multirowed teeth along the mesial to distal and labial to lingual directions whereas mammals develop teeth in single row. Msx1 and Osr2 (odd-skipped related 2) genes play pivotal role in regulating the precise spatiotemporal patterns of sequential tooth development in vertebrates. Msx1 is involved in the activation of odontogenic potential, including Bmp4 expression in the mesenchyme (2). Mice lacking Msx1 exhibited loss of expression of Bmp4 in mesenchymal tissue and molar developmental arrest at the bud stage (2, 3). Bidirectional transcription leading to expression of antisense RNA led to imprinting and transcription inhibition. Msx1 gene function in craniofacial development and specially tooth development where it acts as transcriptional repressor, require antisense RNA regulation (4). In tooth development, the Msx1 is important for dental field determination and tooth morphogenesis, making Msx1 an exemplary model to analyze cell-cell communication leading to early determination of subsequent morphogenesis in mammals. Msx1 is a 297 amino acid protein (approximately 35kDa).