Dynamic expression pattern of distinct genes in the presomitic and somitic mesoderm during Xenopus development.

Whole-mount and sectioned in situ hybridization was used to identify genes with restricted expression pattern in the presomitic and somitic mesoderm during Xenopus early development. Here we report the dynamic expression pattern of six distinct genes differentially expressed in these regions. These include Xenopus homologues of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, acetylcholine receptor, aspartate aminotransferase, glycine amidinotransferase and brain and muscle isoform creatine kinases. Purine nucleoside phosphorylase was initially expressed in the marginal zone at gastrula stage and then localized to the tail bud. Although the other genes showed no significantly localized expression at gastrula or neurula stages, they are progressively restricted in the somitic mesoderm as development proceeds. A common feature for these genes is that their deficiency in humans leads to an impairment of several tissue or cell functions. An analysis of their expression pattern could provide information regarding their implication in early development.