Expression of Msx-2 during development, regeneration, and wound healing in axolotl limbs.
Msx genes are transcription factors that are expressed during embryogenesis of developing appendages in regions of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Various lines of evidence indicate that these genes function to maintain embryonic tissues in an undifferentiated, proliferative state. We have identified the axolotl homolog of Msx-2, and investigated its expression during limb development, limb regeneration, and wound healing. As in limb buds of higher vertebrates, axolotl Msx-2 is expressed in the apical epidermis and mesenchyme; however, its expression domain is more extensive, reflecting the broader region of the apical epidermal cap in amphibians. Msx-2 expression is downregulated at late stages of limb development, but is reexpressed within one hour after limb amputation. Msx-2 is also reexpressed during wound healing, and may be essential in the early stages of initiation of the limb regeneration cascade.
Carlson
M R
MR
Developmental Biology Center, University of California, Irvine 92697-2275, USA.
Bryant
S V
SV
Gardiner
D M
DM
D000557:Ambystoma; D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005801:Genes, Homeobox / Q000235:genetics*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D018878:Limb Buds / Q000196:embryology; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D012038:Regeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000235:genetics*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C084119:MSX2 protein