The T-box gene Tbx10 exhibits a uniquely restricted expression pattern during mouse embryogenesis

The human TBX10 gene was previously identified from a genomic DNA sequence containing a partial open reading frame and was mapped to Chromosome 11q13, a chromosomal region associated with multiple inherited developmental disorders. Since mutations in several T-box family genes have been found to underlie distinct inherited developmental disorders, it has been speculated that TBX10 may be a candidate for one of the disease loci at Chromosome 11q13. To investigate the role of TBX10 in development and pathogenesis, we have isolated a full-length human TBX10 cDNA and cloned the mouse ortholog, Tbx10. Sequence analysis of cDNA clones and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products revealed that the previously predicted TBX10 open reading frame (GenBank accession number AH006177)) was incorrect. We have characterized the developmental expression patterns of Tbx10 during mouse embryogenesis by using in situ hybridization analyses. Our results show that Tbx10 mRNA expression is highly restricted and exhibits a unique spatio-temporal pattern during hindbrain development. These data will facilitate investigation of the role of TBX10 in development and disease.