Brachyury

BRACHYURY is a gene that plays a crucial role in embryonic development. It is a transcription factor, meaning it regulates the expression of other genes. The gene is named after the Greek word for "short tail," reflecting the phenotype observed in organisms with a mutated BRACHYURY gene, which often exhibit developmental abnormalities including shortened tails.

In vertebrates, BRACHYURY is essential for the formation of the mesoderm, one of the three primary germ layers that give rise to all tissues and organs in the body. It is expressed in the posterior part of the developing embryo and is involved in processes such as gastrulation, neurulation, and the formation of the notochord. The notochord is a flexible rod that provides structural support to the developing embryo and is important for the development of the vertebral column.

Beyond vertebrates, BRACHYURY homologs are found in a wide range of organisms, including invertebrates like fruit flies and zebrafish. This conservation across diverse species highlights its fundamental importance in developmental biology. Mutations in BRACHYURY can lead to a variety of developmental defects, depending on the specific organism and the nature of the mutation. Research into BRACHYURY continues to shed light on the intricate mechanisms of embryonic patterning and the evolution of developmental processes.