title: Getting a handle on embryo limb development: Molecular interactions driving limb outgrowth and patterning.
abstract: Development of the vertebrate embryo involves multiple segmentation processes to generate a functional, articulated organism. Cell proliferation, differentiation and patterning involve spatially and temporally regulated gene expression and signal transduction mechanisms. The developing vertebrate limb is an excellent model to study such fine-tuned regulations, whereby cells proliferate and are differentially sculptured along the proximal-distal, anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes to form a functional limb. Complementary experimental approaches in different organisms have enhanced our knowledge on the molecular events underlying limb development. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of the main signaling mechanisms governing vertebrate limb initiation, outgrowth, specification of limb segments and termination.
authors.affiliation: Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, CBME/IBB, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Caroline J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Sheeba
authors.affiliation: Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
authors.forename: Raquel P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.affiliation: Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Centre for Molecular and Structural Biomedicine, CBME/IBB, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal. Electronic address: imesteves@ualg.pt.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Palmeirim
mesh_terms: D019521:Body Patterning; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D047108:Embryonic Development; D005121:Extremities / Q000196:embryology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D038081:Organogenesis; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D053823:Hedgehog Proteins
keywords: Limb development; Limb molecular clock; Molecular interactions; Patterning; Signaling gradients