FoxA transcription factors are essential for the development of dorsal axial structures

►Forkhead box A transcription factors are essential for development of dorsal axial structures. ►FoxA2-FoxA3 double knockdown abolishes the formation of all axial derivatives. ►Precursors of axial tissues are correctly induced in FoxA2-FoxA3 double morphants. ►Dorsal midline identity is not maintained in FoxA2-FoxA3 double morphants. ►Dorsal midline progenitors are re-specified to muscle fibers and neurectodermal cells.