[cDNA cloning of three new homeobox-containing genes of Anf class from human, chicken and newt].

On the basis of the analysis of cDNA of three new homeobox-containing genes from human, chicken, and newt, a new class of homeobox genes Anf is characterized homologous to the Xanf-1 gene from Xenopus laevis, earlier cloned by us. These genes may be largely involved in the specification of embryonic subdivisions in the forebrain region of the embryo. The homeodomains of the proteins encoded by these genes differ greatly in the primary structure from all previously described homeobox genes.

[An analysis of the expression of the genes containing the LeR-1 and VeR-1 sequences in the embryogenesis, regeneration and in the intact tissues of newts].

A method of construction of amplified cDNA libraries was developed on the basis of selective inhibition of cDNA amplification and modified for the studied models for analysis of expression of the genes containing LeR-1 and VeR-1 sequences. Time-related changes in expression of these genes were studied during regeneration of the adult lens and during embryogenesis of newts. The pattern of expression of the LeR-1 and VeR-1 genes proved to be not tissue-specific.

[A novel method of subtraction cDNA hybridization allowing cloning of genes showing differential expression in cell micropopulations].

A novel, efficient and simple technique that combines subtractive hybridization with kinetic enrichment is proposed for obtaining enriched cDNA. The method is based on the use of a set of special primers that allow for the selective amplification by PCR only of differentially distributed sequences. Using the proposed technique, cDNA of a new gene XEp-1, specifically expressed in the presumptive epidermis of Xenopus laevis, was cloned, starting with the stage of midgastrula.

[Molecular-biological approaches to studying gene expression during regeneration].

This paper constitutes a review of the methodical approaches allowing analysis of the mechanisms underlying development and differentiation. Progress in investigation of the mechanisms underlying embryogenesis is related to the discovery of genic families in the Drosophila genome, which are responsible for different periods of embryogenesis. The true revolution in studies of developmental mechanisms began with the application of molecular-genetic methods for analysis of Drosophila mutant lines.

[Identification of new genes and analysis of their expression during lens and retinal regeneration in adult newts].

During lens regeneration in Pleurodeles waltl, the dorsal iris zone is the cell source of the lens regeneration, while the ventral iris zone can serve as the cells' source of lens regeneration only under certain experimental conditions. The method of subtractive hybridization was used for the identification of genes responsible for the different proliferative potential of these zones. Differential screening of the enriched cDNA libraries, which were obtained as a result of subtractive hybridization of the cDNA samples of the ventral and dorsal iris zones 14 days after lens removal, revealed four clones specific to the dorsal iris and six clones specific to the ventral iris.