Edgren Scholars: Gene XER81 and How Its Downregulation Affects Frog Embryos

Regulation of gene expression is an important process for proper development. XER81 is a gene that codes for a member of a family of transcription factors, proteins that control gene expression. Reduction in the amount of XER81 (protein) results in the incomplete closure of the neural tube, precursor of the spinal cord, in the anterior region. To look at the molecular effects of the reduction of XER81 on neural tube development, the expression of several cell adhesion genes known to be necessary for proper neural tube formation and/or closure was examined.