ILF-3 is a regulator of the neural plate border marker Zic1 in chick embryos

Background: The neural crest is a multipotent cell type unique to the vertebrate lineage and capable of differentiating into a large number of varied cell types, including ganglia of the peripheral nervous system, cartilage and glia. An early step in neural crest specification occurs at the neural plate border, a region defined by the overlap of transcription factors of the Zic, Msx and Pax families. Results: Here we identify a novel chick gene with close homology to double stranded RNA binding protein Interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 (ILF-3) in other species. Our results show that chick Ilf-3 is required for proper expression of the transcription factor, Zic-1, at the neural plate. Conclusion: In summary, we have identified a novel chick gene and show it has a role in the correct specification of Zic-1 at the neural plate border.