Work

The novel role of foxi3 in zebrafish mandibular development

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent studies have identified pathogenic variants in the FOXI3 gene associated with craniofacial microsomia pedigrees. In zebrafish, the foxi1 gene is considered a functional homolog of the mouse Foxi3 . However, research on foxi3a and foxi3b , which display homologous genes in the naming of FOXI3 in zebrafish, has predominantly focused on their roles in epidermal ionocyte function. Our study reveals that disruption of foxi3a or foxi3b results in a reduced number of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) and hypoplastic mandibular cartilage in zebrafish. These findings introduce a new perspective on the functional homologs of FOXI3 and highlight an unrecognized role of foxi3 in zebrafish CNCC and mandibular development. • Zebrafish foxi3 and mouse Foxi3 share functional similarities. • Disruption of zebrafish foxi3 results in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of cranial neural crest cells. • Mutations in zebrafish foxi3 do not impact overall development but do lead to mandibular dysplasia.

Source: Cells and Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2025.204016

Authors: Xin Chen, Run Yang, Tianyu Zhang, Jing Ma

Institutions: Fudan University, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Craniofacial Disorders and Treatments

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450

Funders: Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China Stem Cell and Translational Research