Hox-type and non-Hox homeobox gene sequences in genomic DNA of the sea urchin Holopneustes purpurescens

As a preliminary step in an analysis of Hox gene expression and radial body plan specification in sea urchin development, we amplified partial homeobox sequences in H. purpurescens by PCR using degenerate primers. The primers, HoxE and HoxF (Pendleton et al., 1993), spanned a highly conserved region of 82 nucleotides encompassing amino acids 21-47 of the homeodomain. Seven Hox-type homeobox sequences and two non-Hox homeobox sequences were identified. The seven Hox-type sequences were placed provisionally in Hox paralogous groups, one in paralogous group 3, three in paralogous groups 6-8 and three in paralogous groups 9 13. The non-Hox sequences had similarities with Xlox and Gbx homeobox genes.