Expression of the FGF-related proto-oncogene int-2 during gastrulation and neurulation in the mouse.

Abstract

The proto‐oncogene int‐2 has been implicated in the formation of mouse mammary‐tumour‐virus‐induced mammary tumours. Analysis of the predicted coding sequence indicates that int‐2 is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family. Previous studies using Northern blot analysis suggested that normal expression of int‐2 may be confined to extra‐embryonic endoderm lineages of embryonic stages of mouse development. We have used in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis to examine directly int‐2 expression in embryo stem cells and in the developing embryo from early gastrulation to midsomite stages. Complex patterns of accumulation of int‐2 RNA were observed in embryonic and extra‐embryonic tissues. The data suggest multiple roles for int‐2 in development which may include migration of early mesoderm cells and induction of the otocyst.

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