Regional expression of the homeobox gene NKX2-1 defines pallidal and interneuronal populations in the basal ganglia of amphibians.

The distribution of gene expression domains during development constitutes a novel tool for the identification of distinct brain regions. This is particularly useful in the brain of amphibians where cell migration is very limited and most neurons organize in a periventricular layer. Here we report the expression pattern of NKX2-1 protein in the developing Xenopus telencephalon. In mammals, the Nkx2-1 gene is expressed in distinct subpallial regions such as the septum, the medial ganglionic eminence and preoptic region. The results of the present study demonstrate that the expression of NKX2-1 delineates the pallidal anlage and its derivatives in amphibians, as in mammals and birds. In addition, double-labeling immunohistochemistry and the combination of tracing experiments with NKX2-1 immunohistochemistry demonstrate that the amphibian striatum contains interneurons, which express NKX2-1 and produce, among other possible neurotransmitters, nitric oxide and acetylcholine. In sum, the results of the present study strengthen the notion that similar developmental programs exist during basal ganglia development in all tetrapods. Copyright 2002 IBRO