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. 2012 Jan 19;7(1):e30266. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030266

Figure 4. Wnt/beta–catenin signaling induces mDA progenitor genes but downregulates classical FP markers and Lmx1b.

Figure 4

11.5 (rows A–G), 12.5 (row H), and 13.5 dpc (I–L) hindbrain and spinal cord sections were labeled with indicated riboprobes (rows A–C, E, F) and antibodies (rows D, G, H, I–L) in control and Shh::cre;Ctnnb1lox(ex3) mutant embryos. Note that typical FP genes, Shh and F-Spondin, are downregulated at both axial levels. However, a set of upregulated genes includes Msx1 and Ngn2 at both axial levels while Otx2 and Lmx1a induction is restricted to the hindbrain levels. In contrast, Lmx1b is downregulated at both axial levels between 11.5–13.5 dpc. Although Lmx1a is initially induced (row F), its ectopic expression attenuates in the caudal to rostral direction at 12.5 dpc (not shown) and is undetectable by 13.5 dpc (L) in the hindbrain FP. Red dotted lines delineate the FP. Arrowheads depict Lmx1b+ serotonergic neurons and dI5 interneurons in the hindbrain and spinal cord, respectively.