Developing neural tube

A 12.5 dpc developing mouse embryo, stained with an antibody that recognises Hepatic Nuclear Factor 3b (HNF3b). This is a transcription factor that is required for the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the notochord and in the floor plate of the developing neural tube. It is also expressed in the midbrain and important for normal neural development. This image was produced using immunohistochemistry techniques imaged with Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) to show the position of the HNF3b staining within the embryo.