“Long-range regulation during development and evolution”. Denis Duboule

The formation of digits during development is a high regulated process coordinates by the Hoxd genes. By analyzing the chromosome conformation and Hox transcriptional regulation during the process, Duboule’s Lab showed that the active part of the Hoxd gene cluster contacts with several regulatory islands within the centromere. Interestingly, a similar regulatory organization was found during the development of external genitals. Moreover, a similar situation is observed at the HoxA locus. Denis Duboule discussed about potential common mechanisms for Hox genes transcriptional regulation in different contexts.