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Fig. 4. Comparison of NFPC expression with known ectodermal markers. Stage 18 embryos were analyzed by in situ hybridization for expression of (a,e) NFPC, (b) Xslug, (c) E-cadherin, or (d,f) epidermal keratin. NFPC, E-cadherin and epidermal keratin showed similar expression patterns in whole mount, expression being restricted to the ventral ectoderm and excluded from the neural plate and placodal region, as marked by expression of Xslug (b). NFPC was also uniquely expressed within the neural folds, however; arrow in (a). Transverse sections revealed that, within the ectoderm, NFPC was most highly expressed in the sensorial layer whereas epidermal keratin was most highly expressed in the outer layer; arrowheads in (e,f). |
