Loss of Tbx4 blocks hindlimb development and affects vascularization and fusion of the allantois

Tbx4 is a member of the T-box family of transcription factor genes, which have been shown to play important roles in development. We have ablated Tbx4 function using targeted mutagenesis in the mouse. Embryos homozygous for the null allele fail to undergo chorioallantoic fusion and die by 10.5 days post coitus. The allantoises of Tbx4-mutant embryos are stunted, apoptotic and display abnormal differentiation. Endothelial cells within mutant allantoises do not undergo vascular remodeling. Heterozygous embryos show a mild, transient growth defect in the allantois. Induction of a hindlimb field occurs normally in Tbx4 mutants and initial patterning of the hindlimb bud appears normal. However, hindlimb buds from Tbx4 mutants fail to develop either in vivo or in vitro and do not maintain Fgf10 expression in the mesenchyme. The expression of another, closely-linked, T-box gene, Tbx2, is reduced in both the hindlimb and the allantois of Tbx4-mutant embryos prior to the development of overt morphological abnormalities, which suggests that Tbx4 regulates Tbx2 in these tissues.

Tbx5 is required for forelimb bud formation and continued outgrowth

Tbx5 is a T-box transcription factor expressed exclusively in the developing forelimb but not in the developing hindlimb of vertebrates. Tbx5 is first detected in the prospective forelimb mesenchyme prior to overt limb bud outgrowth and its expression is maintained throughout later limb development stages. Direct evidence for a role of Tbx5 in forelimb development was provided by the discovery that mutations in human TBX5 cause Holt-Oram Syndrome (HOS), a dominant disorder characterised predominantly by upper(fore) limb defects and heart abnormalities. Misexpression studies in the chick have demonstrated a role for this gene in limb-type specification. Using a conditional knockout strategy in the mouse to delete Tbx5 gene function in the developing forelimb, we demonstrate that this gene is also required at early limb bud stages for forelimb bud development. In addition, by misexpressing dominant-negative and dominant-activated forms of Tbx5 in the chick wing we provide evidence that this gene is also required at later stages of limb bud development for continued limb outgrowth. Our results provide a context to understand the defects observed in HOS caused by haploinsufficiency of TBX5 in human. Moreover, our results also demonstrate that limb bud outgrowth and specification of limb identity are linked by a requirement for Tbx5.

Molecular mechanisms underlying limb anomalies associated with cholesterol deficiency during gestation: implications of Hedgehog signaling

Human disorders caused by inborn errors of cholesterol biosynthesis are characterized by dysmorphogenesis of multiple organs. This includes limb malformations that are observed at high frequency in some disorders, such as the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, indicating a pivotal role of cholesterol in limb morphogenesis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that cholesterol can modulate the activity of the Hedgehog proteins, that act as morphogens to regulate the precise patterning of many embryonic structures, among which the developing limbs. To provide insight in the functions of cholesterol during limb development and in the potential role of Hedgehog signaling in the genesis of limb defects, we developed an in vivo rat model of cholesterol deficiency. We show here that treatment with Triparanol, a distal inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, induced patterning defects of the autopod at high frequency, including pre-axial syndactyly and post-axial polydactyly, thus reproducing limb anomalies frequently observed in humans. Using in situ hybridization, we show that these malformations originate from a modification of Sonic Hedgehog signaling in the limb bud at 13 days post-coitum, leading to a deficiency of the anterior part of the limb. This deficiency results in an imbalance of Indian Hedgehog expression in the forming cartilage, ultimately leading to reduced interdigital apoptosis and syndactyly. Our study thus unravels the molecular mechanisms underlying the genesis of limb defects associated with cholesterol deficiency in rodents, and most probably in humans.

The relationship between limb muscle and endothelial cells migrating from single somite

Somites contribute myogenic and endothelial precursor cells to the limb bud. Transplantations of single somites have shown the pattern of muscle cell distribution from individual somites to individual limb muscles. However, the pattern of the endothelial cell distribution from individual somites to the limb has not been characterized. We have mapped quail muscle and endothelial cell distribution in the distal part of the chick limb after single somite transplantation to determine if there is a spatial relationship between muscle and endothelial cells originating from the same somite. Single brachial somites from quail donor embryos were transplanted into chick embryos, and, following incubation, serial sections were stained with a quail-endothelial cell-specific monoclonal antibody (QH-1), an anti-quail antibody (QCPN) and an anti-desmin antibody to distinguish the quail endothelial and muscle cells from chick cells. Our results show that transplants of somite 16-21 each gave rise to quail endothelial cells in the wing. The anterioposterior position of the blood vessels formed by somitic endothelial cells corresponded to the craniocaudal position of the somite from which they have originated. Endothelial cells were located not only in the peri- and endomysium but also in the subcutaneous, intermuscular, perineural and periost tissues. There was no strict correlation between the distribution of muscle and endothelial cell from a single transplanted somite. Blood vessels formed by grafted quail endothelial cells could invade the muscle that did not contain any quail muscle cells, and conversely a muscle composed of numerous quail muscle cells was lacking any endothelial cells of quail origin. Furthermore, a chimeric limb with very little quail muscle cells was found to contain numerous quail endothelial cells and vice versa. These results suggest that muscle and endothelial cells derived from the same somite migrate on different routes in the developing limb bud.

Cloning and embryonic expression of six wnt genes in the medaka (Oryzias latipes) with special reference to expression of wnt5a in the pectoral fin buds

WNTs are secreted signaling molecules which control cell differentiation and proliferation. They are known to play essential roles in various developmental processes. Wnt genes have been identified in a variety of animals, and it has been shown that their amino acid sequences are highly conserved throughout evolution. To investigate the role of wnt genes during fish development from the evolutionary viewpoint, six medaka wnt genes (wnt4, wnt5a, wnt6, wnt7b, wnt8b and wnt8-like) were isolated and their embryonic expression was examined. These wnt genes were expressed in various tissues during embryonic development, and most of their expression patterns were conserved or comparable to those of other vertebrates. Thus, these wnt genes may be useful as molecular markers to investigate development and organogenesis using the medaka. Focus was on wnt5a, which was expressed in the pectoral fin buds, because its expression pattern was particularly comparable to that in tetrapod limbs. Its detailed expression pattern was further examined during pectoral fin bud development. The conservation and diversification of Wnt5a expression through the evolutionary transition from fish fins to tetrapod limbs is discussed.

Pitx1 and Pitx2 are required for development of hindlimb buds

Two closely related homeobox transcription factors, Pitx1 and Pitx2, have been implicated in patterning of lateral plate mesoderm derivatives: Pitx1 for specification of hindlimb identity and Pitx2 for determination of laterality. We show that, together, Pitx1 and Pitx2 are required for formation of hindlimb buds and, when present in limited doses, for development of proximal (femur) and anterior (tibia and digit 1) hindlimb structures. Although Pitx1 is expressed throughout developing hindlimb buds, Pitx2 is not expressed in limb bud mesenchyme itself, but is co-expressed with Pitx1 in the presumptive hindlimb field before bud growth. Thus, Pitx1 and Pitx2 genes are required for sustained hindlimb bud growth and formation of hindlimbs.

Covering the limb--formation of the integument

An organism's outermost covering, the integument, has evolved to fulfil a diverse range of functions. Skin provides a physical barrier, an environment for immunological surveillance, and also performs a range of sensory, thermoregulatory and biosynthetic functions. Examination of the skin of limb digits reveals a range of skin types including the thickened hairless epidermis of the toe pads (palmar or plantar epidermis) and thinner epidermis between the hair follicles (interfollicular epidermis) of hairy skin. An important developmental function of skin is to give rise to a diverse group of appendages including hair follicles, with associated sebaceous glands (or feathers and scales in chick), eccrine sweat glands and the nail. A key question is how does this morphological variety arise from the single-layered epithelium covering embryonic limb buds? This review will attempt to address this question by linking the extensive morphological/anatomical data on maturation of epidermis and its appendages with (1) current research into the range, plasticity and location of the putative epidermal stems cells; (2) molecular/microenvironmental regulation of epidermal stem cell lineages and lineage choice; and (3) regulation of the differentiation pathways, focusing on differentiation of the interfollicular epidermis.

The formation of skeletal muscle: from somite to limb

During embryogenesis, skeletal muscle forms in the vertebrate limb from progenitor cells originating in the somites. These cells delaminate from the hypaxial edge of the dorsal part of the somite, the dermomyotome, and migrate into the limb bud, where they proliferate, express myogenic determination factors and subsequently differentiate into skeletal muscle. A number of regulatory factors involved in these different steps have been identified. These include Pax3 with its target c-met, Lbx1 and Mox2 as well as the myogenic determination factors Myf5 and MyoD and factors required for differentiation such as Myogenin, Mrf4 and Mef2 isoforms. Mutants for genes such as Lbx1 and Mox2, expressed uniformly in limb muscle progenitors, reveal unexpected differences between fore and hind limb muscles, also indicated by the differential expression of Tbx genes. As development proceeds, a secondary wave of myogenesis takes place, and, postnatally, satellite cells become located under the basal lamina of adult muscle fibres. Satellite cells are thought to be the progenitor cells for adult muscle regeneration, during which similar genes to those which regulate myogenesis in the embryo also play a role. In particular, Pax3 as well as its orthologue Pax7 are important. The origin of secondary/fetal myoblasts and of adult satellite cells is unclear, as is the relation of the latter to so-called SP or stem cell populations, or indeed to potential mesangioblast progenitors, present in blood vessels. The oligoclonal origin of postnatal muscles points to a small number of founder cells, whether or not these have additional origins to the progenitor cells of the somite which form the first skeletal muscles, as discussed here for the embryonic limb.

cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of Transformer 2 (Tra 2) in chicken embryo

We report the cloning of a chicken Transformer 2 (Tra 2) cDNA that encodes a protein of 289 amino acids which are 97.9% identical to those of mammalian splicing factor, Tra 2. Tra 2 mRNA was expressed in chicken embryonic tissues and was observed as a band of 1.5 kb by Northern blot analysis. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed an mRNA expression of Tra 2 in telencephalon, mandible, hyoid arch, wing and leg buds as early as day 3.5 of incubation. These results suggest that the Tra 2 gene may play a role in organogenesis in the chicken embryo.

Role of caspases in murine limb bud cell death induced by 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide, an activated analog of cyclophosphamide

BACKGROUND

Caspases play a pivotal role in the regulation and execution of apoptosis, an essential process during limb development. Caspase 8 activation is usually downstream of the Fas/FasL death receptors, whereas caspase 9 mediates the mitochondrial signaling pathway of apoptosis. Caspase 3 is an effector caspase. Previous studies have shown that the exposure of embryonic murine limbs in vitro to 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-OOHCPA), an activated analog of the anticancer alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide, induced limb malformations and apoptosis. The goal of this study was to determine the role of caspases in mediating apoptosis in this model system.

METHODS

Limb buds from gestational day 12 CD-1 mice were excised and cultured in roller bottles in a chemically defined medium for up to 6 days in the absence or presence of 4-OOHCPA. Apoptosis was indicated by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, as detected by TUNEL staining. The profile of caspase activation was characterized by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry of control and treated limbs. To determine the consequences to limb morphology of inhibiting caspase activation, DEVD-CHO, a caspase-3 inhibitor, was added to the cultures.

RESULTS

Limbs cultured in the presence of 4-OOHCPA were growth retarded and malformed; apoptosis was increased in the apical ectodermal ridge and interdigital areas. Western blot analysis showed that 4-OOHCPA exposure did not activate procaspases 8 or 9 in limbs. In contrast, procaspase-3 cleavage was increased in a concentration and time-dependent manner after exposure of limbs to 4-OOHCPA. Immunoreactive activated caspase-3 was localized in the interdigital areas and the apical ectodermal ridge region in control limbs; staining in these areas and in the interdigital areas was increased dramatically in limbs exposed to 4-OOHCPA. Inhibition of caspase 3 activation with DEVD-CHO partially protected limbs from insult with 4-OOHCPA.

CONCLUSION

Caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways of cell death are both important is mediating the abnormal limb development triggered by insult with 4-OOHCPA.

Knockdown of connexin43-mediated regulation of the zone of polarizing activity in the developing chick limb leads to digit truncation

In the developing chick wing, the use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to transiently knock down the expression of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), results in limb patterning defects, including deletion of the anterior digits. To understand more about how such defects arise, the effects of transient Cx43 knockdown on the expression patterns of several genes known to play pivotal roles in limb formation were examined. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which is normally expressed in the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) and is required to maintain both the ZPA and the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), was found to be downregulated in treated limbs within 30 h. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp-2), a gene downstream of Shh, was similarly downregulated. Fibroblast growth factor-8 expression, however, was unaltered 30 h after treatment but was greatly reduced at 48 h post-treatment, when the AER begins to regress. Expressions of Bmp-4 and Muscle segment homeobox-like gene (Msx-1) were not affected at any of the time points examined. Cx43 expression is therefore involved in some, but not all patterning cascades, and appears to play a role in the regulation of ZPA activity.

Mps1 defines a proximal blastemal proliferative compartment essential for zebrafish fin regeneration

One possible reason why regeneration remains enigmatic is that the dominant organisms used for studying regeneration are not amenable to genetic approaches. We mutagenized zebrafish and screened for temperature-sensitive defects in adult fin regeneration. The nightcap mutant showed a defect in fin regeneration that was first apparent at the onset of regenerative outgrowth. Positional cloning revealed that nightcapencodes the zebrafish orthologue of mps1, a kinase required for the mitotic checkpoint. mps1 expression was specifically induced in the proximal regeneration blastema, a group of cells that normally proliferate intensely during outgrowth. The nightcap mutation caused severe defects in these cells. However, msxb-expressing blastemal cells immediately distal to this proliferative region did not induce mps1and were retained in mutants. These results indicate that the proximal blastema comprises an essential subpopulation of the fin regenerate defined by the induction and function of Mps1. Furthermore, we show that molecular mechanisms of complex tissue regeneration can now be dissected using zebrafish genetics.

Limbs in whales and limblessness in other vertebrates: mechanisms of evolutionary and developmental transformation and loss

We address the developmental and evolutionary mechanisms underlying fore- and hindlimb development and progressive hindlimb reduction and skeletal loss in whales and evaluate whether the genetic, developmental, and evolutionary mechanisms thought to be responsible for limb loss in snakes "explain" loss of the hindlimbs in whales. Limb loss and concurrent morphological and physiological changes associated with the transition from land to water are discussed within the context of the current whale phylogeny. Emphasis is placed on fore- and hindlimb development, how the forelimbs transformed into flippers, and how the hindlimbs regressed, leaving either no elements or vestigial skeletal elements. Hindlimbs likely began to regress only after the ancestors of whales entered the aquatic environment: Hindlimb function was co-opted by the undulatory vertical axial locomotion made possible by the newly evolved caudal flukes. Loss of the hindlimbs was associated with elongation of the body during the transition from land to water. Limblessness in most snakes is also associated with adoption of a new (burrowing) lifestyle and was driven by developmental changes associated with elongation of the body. Parallels between adaptation to burrowing or to the aquatic environment reflect structural and functional changes associated with the switch to axial locomotion. Because they are more fully studied and to determine whether hindlimb loss in lineages that are not closely related could result from similar genetically controlled developmental pathways, we discuss developmental (cellular and genetic) processes that may have driven limb loss in snakes and leg-less lizards and compare these processes to the loss of hindlimbs in whales. In neither group does ontogenetic or phylogenetic limb reduction result from failure to initiate limb development. In both groups limb loss results from arrested development at the limb bud stage, as a result of inability to maintain necessary inductive tissue interactions and enhanced cell death over that seen in limbed tetrapods. An evolutionary change in Hox gene expression--as occurs in snakes--or in Hox gene regulation--as occurs in some limbless mutants--is unlikely to have initiated loss of the hindlimbs in cetaceans. Selective pressures acting on a wide range of developmental processes and adult traits other than the limbs are likely to have driven the loss of hindlimbs in whales.

Time, pattern, and heterochrony: a study of hyperphalangy in the dolphin embryo flipper

The forelimb of whales and dolphins is a flipper that shows hyperphalangy (numerous finger bones). Hyperphalangy is also present in marine reptiles, including ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. The developmental basis of hyper-phalangy is unclear. Kükenthal suggested that phalanx anlagen split into three pieces during cetacean development, thereby multiplying the ancestral number. Alternatively, Holder suggested that apical ectodermal ridge (AER)-directed limb outgrowth might be prolonged by a timing shift (heterochrony), leading to terminal addition of extra phalanges. We prepared a series of whole mounted and serially sectioned embryonic flipper buds of the spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata. This cetacean shows marked hyperphalangy on digits II and III. We confirm previous reports that the proximodistal laying down of phalanges is prolonged in digits II and III. Histology showed that the apical ectoderm was thickened into a cap. There was a weak ridge-like structure in some embryos. The cap or ridge formed part of a bud-like mass that persisted on digits II and III at stages when it had disappeared from other digits. Thus the dolphin differs from other mammals in showing a second period of limb outgrowth during which localized hyperphalangy develops. New phalanges only formed at the tip of the digits. These findings are consistent with a model in which heterochrony leads to the terminal addition of new phalanges. Our results are more easily reconciled with the progress zone model than one in which the AER is involved in the expansion of a prepattern. We suggest that patterning mechanisms with a temporal component (i.e., the "progress zone" mechanism) are potential targets for heterochrony during limb evolution.

FGFR4 signaling is a necessary step in limb muscle differentiation

In chick embryos, most if not all, replicating myoblasts present within the skeletal muscle masses express high levels of the FGF receptor FREK/FGFR4, suggesting an important role for this molecule during myogenesis. We examined FGFR4 function during myogenesis, and we demonstrate that inhibition of FGFR4, but not FGFR1 signaling, leads to a dramatic loss of limb muscles. All muscle markers analyzed (such as Myf5, MyoD and the embryonic myosin heavy chain) are affected. We show that inhibition of FGFR4 signal results in an arrest of muscle progenitor differentiation, which can be rapidly reverted by the addition of exogenous FGF, rather than a modification in their proliferative capacities. Conversely, over-expression of FGF8 in somites promotes FGFR4 expression and muscle differentiation in this tissue. Together, these results demonstrate that in vivo, myogenic differentiation is positively controlled by FGF signaling, a notion that contrasts with the general view that FGF promotes myoblast proliferation and represses myogenic differentiation. Our data assign a novel role to FGF8 during chick myogenesis and demonstrate that FGFR4 signaling is a crucial step in the cascade of molecular events leading to terminal muscle differentiation.

RGD-CAP ((beta)ig-h3) is expressed in precartilage condensation and in prehypertrophic chondrocytes during cartilage development

RGD-CAP ((beta)ig-h3), isolated from cartilage as a collagen-associated protein, was demonstrated to have a binding ability to collagen and to enhance the adhesion of chondrocytes via integrin alpha(1)beta(1). However, the role of this protein in cartilage development remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression of RGD-CAP ((beta)ig-h3) in chick embryos and cultured mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during the differentiation to chondrocytes. The effects of recombinant RGD-CAP on adhesion and DNA synthesis of MSCs and mineralization were also examined. Tissue sections from chick embryos at Hamburger-Hamilton (HH) stages 19-37 were immunostained with anti-chick RGD-CAP antibodies. The expression of RGD-CAP was slightest in chick embryos at HH stage 19, whereas a considerable expression of RGD-CAP was observed in the developing vertebrae and precartilage aggregate in the limb bud of chick embryos at HH stage 26. The expression of RGD-CAP was significantly reduced in vertebrae of chick embryo at HH stage 32. Reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that RGD-CAP was highly expressed in cultured MSCs and decreased by 4-day treatment with 10(-8) M dexamethasone when MSCs proliferated to adipocyte-like cells, whereas it was recovered by co-treatment with 3 ng/ml TGF-beta for 8-12 days when MSCs proliferated to hypertrophic chondrocyte-like cells. The adhesion and DNA synthesis of MSCs cultured on RGD-CAP-coated dishes increased significantly compared with the controls. RGD-CAP was distributed in the prehypertrophic zone in matured cartilage of the vertebrae of chick embryos at HH stage 37. Recombinant RGD-CAP inhibited the mineralization of hypertrophic chondrocytes. These results suggest that RGD-CAP ((beta)ig-h3) exerts an essential role in the early cartilage development by enhancing the adhesion and growth of the pre-chondrogenic cells, and functions as a negative regulator for mineralization at the terminal stage of the chondrogenic differentiation.

Embryonic retinoic acid synthesis is required for forelimb growth and anteroposterior patterning in the mouse

Numerous studies, often performed on avian embryos, have implicated retinoic acid (RA) in the control of limb bud growth and patterning. Here we have investigated whether the lack of endogenous RA synthesis affects limb morphogenesis in mutant mouse embryos deficient for the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2/Aldh1a2). These mutants, which have no detectable embryonic RA except in the developing retina, die at E9.5-E10 without any evidence of limb bud formation, but maternal RA supplementation through oral gavage from E7.5 can extend their survival. Such survivors exhibit highly reduced forelimb rudiments, but apparently normal hindlimbs. By providing RA within maternal food, we found both a stage- and dose-dependency for rescue of forelimb growth and patterning. Following RA supplementation from E7.5 to 8.5, mutant forelimbs are markedly hypoplastic and lack anteroposterior (AP) patterning, with a single medial cartilage and 1-2 digit rudiments. RA provided until E9.5 significantly rescues forelimb growth, but cannot restore normal AP patterning. Increasing the RA dose rescues the hypodactyly, but leads to lack of asymmetry of the digit pattern, with abnormally long first digit or symmetrical polydactyly. Mutant forelimb buds are characterized by lack of expression or abnormal distal distribution of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) transcripts, sometimes with highest expression anteriorly. Downregulation or ectopic anterior expression of Fgf4 is also seen. As a result, genes such as Bmp2 or Hoxd genes are expressed symmetrically along the AP axis of the forelimb buds, and/or later, of the autopod. We suggest that RA signaling cooperates with a posteriorly restricted factor such as dHand, to generate a functional zone of polarizing activity (ZPA).

Misexpression of dHAND induces ectopic digits in the developing limb bud in the absence of direct DNA binding

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors control developmental decisions in a wide range of embryonic cell types. The HLH motif mediates homo- and heterodimerization, which juxtaposes the basic regions within the dimeric complex to form a bipartite DNA binding domain that recognizes a DNA consensus sequence known as an E-box. eHAND and dHAND (also known as HAND1 and HAND2) are closely related bHLH proteins that control cardiac, craniofacial and limb development. Within the developing limb, dHAND expression encompasses the zone of polarizing activity in the posterior region, where it has been shown to be necessary and sufficient to induce the expression of the morphogen sonic hedgehog. Misexpression of dHAND in the anterior compartment of the limb bud induces ectopic expression of sonic hedgehog, with resulting preaxial polydactyly and mirror image duplications of posterior digits. To investigate the potential transcriptional mechanisms involved in limb patterning by dHAND, we have performed a structure-function analysis of the protein in cultured cells and ectopically expressed dHAND mutant proteins in the developing limbs of transgenic mice. We show that an N-terminal transcriptional activation domain, and the bHLH region, are required for E-box-dependent transcription in vitro. Remarkably, however, digit duplication by dHAND requires neither the transcriptional activation domain nor the basic region, but only the HLH motif. eHAND has a similar limb patterning activity to dHAND in these misexpression experiments, indicating a conserved function of the HLH regions of these proteins. These findings suggest that dHAND may act via novel transcriptional mechanisms mediated by protein-protein interactions independent of direct DNA binding.

Expression of Cre Recombinase in the developing mouse limb bud driven by a Prxl enhancer

We have used a Prx1 limb enhancer to drive expression of Cre Recombinase in transgenic mice. This regulatory element leads to Cre expression throughout the early limb bud mesenchyme and in a subset of craniofacial mesenchyme. Crossing a murine line carrying this transgene to a reporter mouse harboring a floxed Cre-reporter cassette revealed that recombinase activity is first observed in the earliest limb bud at 9.5 dpc. By early to mid bud stages at 10.5 dpc recombination is essentially complete in all mesenchymal cells in the limb. Expression of the Cre recombinase was never detected in the limb bud ectoderm. The use of Prx1-Cre mice should facilitate analysis of gene function in the developing limb.

[Study on the developmental toxicity of Bisphenol A by using micromass culture in vitro]

The micromass culture of Wistar rat embryo limb bud cells was used to investigate the characteristic of developmental toxicity of Bisphenol A (BPA) and its mechanism in vitro. The results showed that BPA inhibited both proliferation and differentiation of rat limb bud cells in vitro. The high level of BPA appeared to be cytotoxic to Wistar rat embryo limb bud cells in culture and inhibited the clone formation with dose-response relationship. The concentration of BPA for IP50 and ID50 were 38.74 mg/L and 27.93 mg/L respectively. According to Renaults' teratogenic criteria, BPA belonged to a positive teratogen. And the data suggested that the specific inhibition of cell proliferation and differentiation might be one of the mechanisms of high level BPA.

Liarozole markedly increases all trans-retinoic acid toxicity in mouse limb bud cell cultures: a model to explain the potency of the aromatic retinoid (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthylenyl)-1-propenyl] benzoic acid

The remarkable toxicity of (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthylenyl)-1-propenyl] benzoic acid (TTNPB) compared to all trans-retinoic acid (tRA) is due to multiple factors, including reduced affinities for cytosolic binding proteins (CRABPs), resistance to metabolism, and prolonged nuclear receptor activation. To further investigate the role of half-life in retinoid toxicity, experiments were performed to determine whether, and to what extent, inhibition of tRA metabolism by liarozole increased its toxicity comparable to that of TTNPB in the mouse limb bud system. Liarozole is a known inhibitor of tRA 4-hydroxylation (CYP26). In the absence of liarozole, the IC50 for inhibition of chondrogenesis by tRA was 140 nM compared to 0.3 nM for TTNPB, a 467-fold difference. Following the addition of liarozole (10(-6) M) to limb bud cultures, the potency of tRA to inhibit chondrogenesis was increased approximately 14-fold (IC50 of 9.8 nM). Although liarozole markedly increased toxicity of tRA in mouse limb bud micromass cultures, tRA metabolism was inhibited only about 10%. These results indicate that a relatively minor decrease in the metabolism of tRA in the mouse limb bud system is associated with a marked enhancement of toxicity that is likely related to the prolongation of tRA half-life during a critical period of development. Thus, the prolonged half-life of TTNPB is the most significant factor contributing to the remarkable teratogenicity of this synthetic aromatic retinoid.

A role for the BMP antagonist chordin in endochondral ossification

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are ubiquitous regulators of cellular growth and differentiation. A variety of processes modulate BMP activity, including negative regulation by several distinct binding proteins. One such BMP antagonist chordin has a role in axis determination and neural induction in the early embryo. In this study, a role for chordin during endochondral ossification has been investigated. During limb development, Chordin expression was detected only at the distal ends of the skeletal elements. In cultured embryonic sternal chondrocytes, Chordin expression was related inversely to the stages of maturation. Further, treating cultured chondrocytes with chordin interfered with maturation induced by treatment with BMP-2. These results suggest that chordin may negatively regulate chondrocyte maturation and limb growth in vivo. To address this hypothesis, chordin protein was expressed ectopically in Hamburger-Hamilton (HH) stage 25-27 embryonic chick limbs. The phenotypic changes and alteration of gene expression in treated limbs revealed that overexpression of chordin protein delayed chondrocyte maturation in developing skeletal elements. In summary, these findings strongly support a role for chordin as a negative regulator of endochondral ossification.

RanBP1, a velocardiofacial/DiGeorge syndrome candidate gene, is expressed at sites of mesenchymal/epithelial induction

RanBP1, a velocardiofacial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome candidate gene, is expressed in the frontonasal processes, branchial arches, aortic arches, and limb buds. At these sites, RanBP1 apparently coincides with neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells. In addition, RanBP1 is expressed in the forebrain as well as in hindbrain regions previously associated with crest-derived mesenchymal cells.

Loss of Eph-receptor expression correlates with loss of cell adhesion and chondrogenic capacity in Hoxa13 mutant limbs

Mesenchymal patterning is an active process whereby genetic commands coordinate cell adhesion, sorting and condensation, and thereby direct the formation of morphological structures. In mice that lack the Hoxa13 gene, the mesenchymal condensations that form the autopod skeletal elements are poorly resolved, resulting in missing digit, carpal and tarsal elements. In addition, mesenchymal and endothelial cell layers of the umbilical arteries (UAs) are disorganized, resulting in their stenosis and in embryonic death. To further investigate the role of Hoxa13 in these phenotypes, we generated a loss-of-function allele in which the GFP gene was targeted into the Hoxa13 locus. This allele allowed FACS isolation of mesenchymal cells from Hoxa13 heterozygous and mutant homozygous limb buds. Hoxa13GFP expressing mesenchymal cells from Hoxa13 mutant homozygous embryos are defective in forming chondrogenic condensations in vitro. Analysis of pro-adhesion molecules in the autopod of Hoxa13 mutants revealed a marked reduction in EphA7 expression in affected digits, as well as in micromass cell cultures prepared from mutant mesenchymal cells. Finally, antibody blocking of the EphA7 extracellular domain severely inhibits the capacity of Hoxa13GFP heterozygous cells to condense and form chondrogenic nodules in vitro, which is consistent with the hypothesis that reduction in EphA7 expression affects the capacity of Hoxa13–/– mesenchymal cells to form chondrogenic condensations in vivo and in vitro. EphA7 and EphA4 expression were also decreased in the mesenchymal and endothelial cells that form the umbilical arteries in Hoxa13 mutant homozygous embryos. These results suggest that an important role for Hoxa13 during limb and UA development is to regulate genes whose products are required for mesenchymal cell adhesion, sorting and boundary formation.

Possible roles for stanniocalcin during early skeletal patterning and joint formation in the mouse

Stanniocalcin (STC) is a polypeptide hormone discovered first in fish and more recently in mammals. In mammals, the gene is widely expressed and the hormone is, so far, known to be involved in regulating the transport of calcium or phosphate across renal and gut epithelia, and into neuronal cells. Gene expression is also high during development, and in an earlier study we mapped the temporal and spatial pattern of gene expression in the mouse urogenital system. Our data suggested that STC probably acted as a signaling molecule that was produced in mesenchyme cells and targeted to epithelial cell layers in both kidney and testes. Here we have examined STC mRNA and protein distributions between developmental stages E10.5 and E18.5 in the axial and appendicular skeleton. In the axial skeleton, STC was transiently expressed in a rostral-caudal fashion during vertebral development; protein appeared to be made in intervertebral disc mesenchyme cells and targeted to vertebral hypertrophic and prehypertrophic chondrocytes. By stage E18.5, the STC gene was active only in vertebral perichondrocytes. The pattern of expression in the appendicular skeleton was equally striking. Early in development, STC gene expression defined the initial lengths of bone primordia. The gene was expressed in mesenchyme cells at either ends of precartilaginous condensations defining future long bones and the secreted protein was targeted to the chondroblasts. Later on during joint formation, STC was highly expressed in interzone cells that defined all future joints. After cavitation, STC gene expression was greatest in perichondrocytes lining the joints. Underlying resting, proliferative and prehypertrophic chondrocytes appeared to be the targets of STC both during and after cavitation. Therefore, its pattern of expression was indicative of a role in early skeletal patterning and joint formation. Moreover, as occurs during urogenital development, it appeared that STC is made in undifferentiated mesenchyme cells and sequestered by those destined to differentiate.