Wnt/beta-catenin signaling regulates vertebrate limb regeneration.
The cellular and molecular bases allowing tissue regeneration are not well understood. By performing gain- and loss-of-function experiments of specific members of the Wnt pathway during appendage regeneration, we demonstrate that this pathway is not only necessary for regeneration to occur, but it is also able to promote regeneration in axolotl, Xenopus, and zebrafish. Furthermore, we show that changes in the spatiotemporal distribution of beta-catenin in the developing chick embryo elicit apical ectodermal ridge and limb regeneration in an organism previously thought not to regenerate. Our studies may provide valuable insights toward a better understanding of adult tissue regeneration.
Kawakami
Yasuhiko
Y
Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Rodriguez Esteban
Concepción
C
Raya
Marina
M
Kawakami
Hiroko
H
Martí
Mercè
M
Dubova
Ilir
I
Izpisúa Belmonte
Juan Carlos
JC
D000557:Ambystoma / Q000254:growth & development; D000818:Animals; D005121:Extremities / Q000502:physiology*; D007814:Larva; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D014981:Xenopus; D029867:Xenopus Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D015027:Zebrafish; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000502:physiology*
D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029867:Xenopus Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin