Building limb morphology through integration of signalling modules.
Growth and patterning of the vertebrate limb relies on signals produced by three discrete signalling centres: the Apical Ectodermal Ridge (AER), the Zone of Polarising Activity (ZPA) and the dorsal ectoderm. The molecular identities of these signals and their associated downstream pathways have begun to be uncovered. In this review, we focus on recent work that has highlighted the importance of cross-talk between these signalling centres and how mesenchymal progenitors integrate multiple signalling inputs. We also discuss recent evidence suggesting how modulations of key signalling pathways have been used to generate the morphological diversity seen between different vertebrate limb appendages.
Duboc
Veronique
V
Division of Developmental Biology, MRC-National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1AA, UK. vduboc@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
Logan
Malcolm Po
MP
D000818:Animals; D019521:Body Patterning / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks / Q000502:physiology; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D018878:Limb Buds / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology*; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors