Functional Analysis of TBX2A During Development of the Pharyngeal Arches

Abstract

Tbx2a is a member of T-box transcription factors which are important during embryonic development. In this study we discovered the function of tbx2a during the development of pharyngeal arches (PAs) which develops into the jaw and gills in fish, and many structures in the human neck and face. This work used zebrafish model to explore the developmental function of tbx2a. We provided evidence for a discrete role of tbx2a during specification of the endodermal pouches, which affected the whole PAs. We ruled out the contribution of tbx2a to the patterning of migratory NCCs; instead, their differentiation into cartilage was strongly affected. Our data strongly support the hypothesis that the endodermal pouches play a leading role during the development of PAs. In addition, we also reported the function of tbx2a during the specification of the hypothalamus.