UC San Diego

I have investigated the role of the FoxP genes in the developing mouse spinal cord using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in conjunction with a variety of genetically modified mice. In E11.5-E12.5 developing spinal cords, my studies show that three members of the FoxP gene subfamily, FoxP1, FoxP2 and FoxP4 are expressed in subsets of V1, V0, di2 and di6 interneurons. FoxP gene expression exhibits a differential expression profile across segmental levels. Finally, mutant analysis suggests interneuronal expression of the FoxP genes is controlled by dorsoventral factors.