Expression Pattern of labial-like Gene of the Earthworm, Perionyx excavatus

지렁이 labial-like유전자의 발현 양상에 관한 연구

Hox genes are a family of regulatory gene encoding transcription factor that primarily play a crucial role during development. Several indications suggest their involvement in the control of cell growth and regenration. RT-PCR and souther blot analysis revealed that labial-like gene was increasingly expressed along a spatial gradient in the anterior region of intact worm. During head and tail regeneration, labial-like gene was expressed only in the head region of regenerating body pieces, suggesting that the gene is involved in the anteroposterior patterning in earth-worm. This result could give us information on the significance of Hox genes and the relationship between Hox genes during regeneration.