We have isolated a novel mouse gene, MFH-1 (mesenchyme fork head 1) that is related to the Drosophila fork head and rat HNF3 genes. MFH-1 encodes a distinct fork head domain that is classified into a distinct subfamily. A recombinant MFH-1 protein could bind to the HNF3 binding site. MFH-1 is expressed temporally in developing embryos, first in the non-notochordal mesoderm and later in areas of mesenchymal condensation in the trunk, head, and limbs. Our results suggest that MFH-1 might be involved in the formation of special mesenchymal tissues.
