Vertebrate limb bud development: moving towards integrative analysis of organogenesis

Pbx homeodomain proteins: TALEnted regulators of limb patterning and outgrowth

Limb development has long provided an excellent model for understanding the genetic principles driving embryogenesis. Studies utilizing chick and mouse have led to new insights into limb patterning and morphogenesis. Recent research has centered on the regulatory networks underlying limb development. Here, we discuss the hierarchical, overlapping, and iterative roles of Pbx family members in appendicular development that have emerged from genetic analyses in the mouse. Pbx genes are essential in determining limb bud positioning, early bud formation, limb axes establishment and coordination, and patterning and morphogenesis of most elements of the limb and girdle. Pbx proteins directly regulate critical effectors of limb and girdle development, including morphogen-encoding genes like Shh in limb posterior mesoderm, and transcription factor-encoding genes like Alx1 in pre-scapular domains. Interestingly, at least in limb buds, Pbx appear to act not only as Hox cofactors, but also in the upstream control of 5' HoxA/D gene expression.

Apical ectodermal ridge morphogenesis in limb development is controlled by Arid3b-mediated regulation of cell movements

The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is a specialized epithelium located at the distal edge of the limb bud that directs outgrowth along the proximodistal axis. Although the molecular basis for its function is well known, the cellular mechanisms that lead to its maturation are not fully understood. Here, we show that Arid3b, a member of the ARID family of transcriptional regulators, is expressed in the AER in mouse and chick embryos, and that interference with its activity leads to aberrant AER development, in which normal structure is not achieved. This happens without alterations in cell numbers or gene expression in main signalling pathways. Cells that are defective in Arid3b show an abnormal distribution of the actin cytoskeleton and decreased motility in vitro. Moreover, movements of pre-AER cells and their contribution to the AER were defective in vivo in embryos with reduced Arid3b function. Our results show that Arid3b is involved in the regulation of cell motility and rearrangements that lead to AER maturation.

HMGB factors are required for posterior digit development through integrating signaling pathway activities

The chromatin factors Hmgb1 and Hmgb2 have critical roles in cellular processes, including transcription and DNA modification. To identify the function of Hmgb genes in embryonic development, we generated double mutants of Hmgb1;Hmgb2 in mice. While double null embryos arrest at E9.5, Hmgb1(-/-) ; Hmgb2(+/-) embryos exhibit a loss of digit5, the most posterior digit, in the forelimb. We show that Hmgb1(-/-) ; Hmgb2(+/-) forelimbs have a reduced level of Shh signaling, as well as a clear downregulation of Wnt and BMP target genes in the posterior region. Moreover, we demonstrate that hmgb1 and hmgb2 in zebrafish embryos enhance Wnt signaling in a variety of tissues, and that double knockdown embryos have reduced Wnt signaling and shh expression in pectoral fin buds. Our data show that Hmgb1 and Hmgb2 function redundantly to enhance Wnt signaling in embryos, and further suggest that integrating Wnt, Shh, and BMP signaling regulates the development of digit5 in forelimbs.

Cellular transduction gradients via vapor-deposited polymer coatings

Spatiotemporal control of gene delivery, particularly signaling gradients, via biomaterials poses significant challenges because of the lack of efficient delivery systems for therapeutic proteins and genes. This challenge was addressed by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization in a counterflow set-up to deposit copolymers bearing two reactive chemical gradients. FTIR spectroscopy verified the formation of compositional gradients. Adenovirus expressing a reporter gene was biotinylated and immobilized using the VBABM method (virus-biotin-avidin-biotin-materials). Sandwich ELISA confirmed selective attachment of biotinylated adenovirus onto copolymer gradients. When cultured on the adenovirus gradients, human gingival fibroblasts exhibited asymmetric transduction with full confluency. Importantly, gradient transduction occurred in both lateral directions, thus enabling more advanced delivery studies that involve gradients of multiple therapeutic genes.

Mechanisms of digit formation: Human malformation syndromes tell the story

Identifying the genetic basis of human limb malformation disorders has been instrumental in improving our understanding of limb development. Abnormalities of the hands and/or feet include defects affecting patterning, establishment, elongation, and segmentation of cartilaginous condensations, as well as growth of the individual skeletal elements. While the phenotype of such malformations is highly diverse, the mutations identified to date cluster in genes implicated in a limited number of molecular pathways, namely hedgehog, Wnt, and bone morphogenetic protein. The latter pathway appears to function as a key molecular network regulating different phases of digit and joint development. Studies in animal models not only extended our insight into the pathogenesis of these conditions, but have also contributed to our understanding of the in vivo functions and interactions of these key players. This review is aimed at integrating the current understanding of human digit malformations into the increasing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of digit development. Developmental Dynamics 240:990-1004, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A computational clonal analysis of the developing mouse limb bud

A comprehensive spatio-temporal description of the tissue movements underlying organogenesis would be an extremely useful resource to developmental biology. Clonal analysis and fate mappings are popular experiments to study tissue movement during morphogenesis. Such experiments allow cell populations to be labeled at an early stage of development and to follow their spatial evolution over time. However, disentangling the cumulative effects of the multiple events responsible for the expansion of the labeled cell population is not always straightforward. To overcome this problem, we develop a novel computational method that combines accurate quantification of 2D limb bud morphologies and growth modeling to analyze mouse clonal data of early limb development. Firstly, we explore various tissue movements that match experimental limb bud shape changes. Secondly, by comparing computational clones with newly generated mouse clonal data we are able to choose and characterize the tissue movement map that better matches experimental data. Our computational analysis produces for the first time a two dimensional model of limb growth based on experimental data that can be used to better characterize limb tissue movement in space and time. The model shows that the distribution and shapes of clones can be described as a combination of anisotropic growth with isotropic cell mixing, without the need for lineage compartmentalization along the AP and PD axis. Lastly, we show that this comprehensive description can be used to reassess spatio-temporal gene regulations taking tissue movement into account and to investigate PD patterning hypothesis.

A comprehensive mathematical description of the growth of an organ can be given by the velocity vectors defining the displacement of each tissue point in a fixed coordinate system plus a description of the degree of mixing between the cells. As an alternative to live imaging, a way to estimate the collection of such velocity vectors, known as velocity vector field, is to use cell-labeling experiments. However, this approach can be applied only when the labeled populations have been grown for small periods of time and the tensors of the velocity vector field can be estimated directly from the shape of the labeled population. Unfortunately, most of the available cell-labeling experiments of developmental systems have been generated considering a long clone expansion time that is more suitable for lineaging studies than for estimating velocity vector fields. In this study we present a new computational method that allows us to estimate the velocity vector field of limb tissue movement by using clonal data with long harvesting time and a sequence of experimental limb morphologies. The method results in the first realistic 2D model of limb outgrowth and establishes a powerful framework for numerical simulations of limb development.

Spatiotemporal changes in cell adhesiveness during vertebrate limb morphogenesis

During vertebrate limb development, various molecules are expressed in the presumptive limb field or the limb bud in a spatiotemporal-specific manner. The combination of these molecules regulates cellular properties that affect limb initiation and its morphogenesis, especially cartilage formation. Cell adhesiveness of the limb mesenchyme is a key factor in the regulation of cell distribution. Differential adhesiveness of mesenchymal cells is first observed between cells in the presumptive limb field and flank region, and the adhesiveness of the cells in the limb field is higher than that of cells in the flank region. In the limb bud, the adhesiveness of mesenchymal cells shows spatiotemporal difference, which reflects the positional identity of the cells. Position-dependent cell adhesiveness is also observed in blastema cells of the regenerating limb. Therefore, local changes in cell adhesiveness are observed during limb development and regeneration, suggesting significant roles for cell adhesiveness in limb morphogenesis.

A regulatory network of two galectins mediates the earliest steps of avian limb skeletal morphogenesis

BACKGROUND

The skeletal elements of vertebrate embryonic limbs are prefigured by rod- and spot-like condensations of precartilage mesenchymal cells. The formation of these condensations depends on cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, but how they are initiated and patterned is as yet unresolved.

RESULTS

Here we provide evidence that galectins, β-galactoside-binding lectins with β-sandwich folding, play fundamental roles in these processes. We show that among the five chicken galectin (CG) genes, two, CG-1A, and CG-8, are markedly elevated in expression at prospective sites of condensation in vitro and in vivo, with their protein products appearing earlier in development than any previously described marker. The two molecules enhance one another's gene expression but have opposite effects on condensation formation and cartilage development in vivo and in vitro: CG-1A, a non-covalent homodimer, promotes this process, while the tandem-repeat-type CG-8 antagonizes it. Correspondingly, knockdown of CG-1A inhibits the formation of skeletal elements while knockdown of CG-8 enhances it. The apparent paradox of mutual activation at the gene expression level coupled with antagonistic roles in skeletogenesis is resolved by analysis of the direct effect of the proteins on precartilage cells. Specifically, CG-1A causes their aggregation, whereas CG-8, which has no adhesive function of its own, blocks this effect. The developmental appearance and regulation of the unknown cell surface moieties ("ligands") to which CG-1A and CG-8 bind were indicative of specific cognate- and cross-regulatory interactions.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that CG-1A and CG-8 constitute a multiscale network that is a major mediator, earlier-acting than any previously described, of the formation and patterning of precartilage mesenchymal condensations in the developing limb. This network functions autonomously of limb bud signaling centers or other limb bud positional cues.

Genetic analysis of Hedgehog signaling in ventral body wall development and the onset of omphalocele formation

Background

An omphalocele is one of the major ventral body wall malformations and is characterized by abnormally herniated viscera from the body trunk. It has been frequently found to be associated with other structural malformations, such as genitourinary malformations and digit abnormalities. In spite of its clinical importance, the etiology of omphalocele formation is still controversial. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is one of the essential growth factor signaling pathways involved in the formation of the limbs and urogenital system. However, the relationship between Hh signaling and ventral body wall formation remains unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To gain insight into the roles of Hh signaling in ventral body wall formation and its malformation, we analyzed phenotypes of mouse mutants of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), GLI-Kruppel family member 3 (Gli3) and Aristaless-like homeobox 4 (Alx4). Introduction of additional Alx4^Lst mutations into the Gli3^Xt/Xt background resulted in various degrees of severe omphalocele and pubic diastasis. In addition, loss of a single Shh allele restored the omphalocele and pubic symphysis of Gli3^Xt/+; Alx4^Lst/Lst embryos. We also observed ectopic Hh activity in the ventral body wall region of Gli3^Xt/Xt embryos. Moreover, tamoxifen-inducible gain-of-function experiments to induce ectopic Hh signaling revealed Hh signal dose-dependent formation of omphaloceles.

Conclusions/Significance

We suggest that one of the possible causes of omphalocele and pubic diastasis is ectopically-induced Hh signaling. To our knowledge, this would be the first demonstration of the involvement of Hh signaling in ventral body wall malformation and the genetic rescue of omphalocele phenotypes.

SMOC1 is essential for ocular and limb development in humans and mice

Microphthalmia with limb anomalies (MLA) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder, presenting with anophthalmia or microphthalmia and hand and/or foot malformation. We mapped the MLA locus to 14q24 and successfully identified three homozygous (one nonsense and two splice site) mutations in the SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine)-related modular calcium binding 1 (SMOC1) in three families. Smoc1 is expressed in the developing optic stalk, ventral optic cup, and limbs of mouse embryos. Smoc1 null mice recapitulated MLA phenotypes, including aplasia or hypoplasia of optic nerves, hypoplastic fibula and bowed tibia, and syndactyly in limbs. A thinned and irregular ganglion cell layer and atrophy of the anteroventral part of the retina were also observed. Soft tissue syndactyly, resulting from inhibited apoptosis, was related to disturbed expression of genes involved in BMP signaling in the interdigital mesenchyme. Our findings indicate that SMOC1/Smoc1 is essential for ocular and limb development in both humans and mice.

WNT pathways and upper limb anomalies

The various Wnt pathways that are related to upper limb anomalies are reviewed. Abnormalities in the Wnt7a pathway (located in the dorsal ectoderm) produce several clinically relevant conditions such as the palmar duplication syndrome, nail patella syndrome, ulnar ray deficiency, limb hypoplasia, polysyndactyly and the palmar nail syndrome. Abnormalities of the Wnt3/3a pathway (located in the apical ectodermal ridge) include tetra-amelia and loss of the distal phalanges/nails. Abnormalities of the Wnt5/5a pathway (located in the apical ectodermal ridge as well as in the mesoderm) will affect chondrogenesis of the developing limb and experimental Wnt5a(-/-) limbs have terminal adactyly. Chondrogenesis and limb muscle differentiation are both affected by several Wnt pathways and these will be reviewed in details. Abnormalities in LRP 5/6 (a co-receptor for Wnts) lead to congenital bone disease and Wnt4 is specifically involved in joint development. Finally, the relationship between the Wnt pathway and SALL4 (mutations of which cause Okihiro/Duane-radial ray deficiency in humans) are discussed.

Synthetic strategies for studying embryonic development

Developmental biology has evolved from a descriptive science to one based on genetic principles and molecular mechanisms. Although molecular biology and genetic technologies have been the primary drivers of this transformation, synthetic strategies have been increasingly utilized to interrogate the mechanisms of embryonic patterning with spatial and temporal precision. In this review, we survey how chemical tools and engineered proteins have been used to perturb developmental processes at the DNA, RNA, protein, and cellular levels. We discuss the design principles, experimental capabilities, and limitations of each method, as well as future challenges for the chemical and developmental biology communities.

Advances in understanding tissue regenerative capacity and mechanisms in animals

Questions about how and why tissue regeneration occurs have captured the attention of countless biologists, biomedical engineers and clinicians. Regenerative capacity differs greatly across organs and organisms, and a range of model systems that use different regenerative strategies and that offer different technical advantages have been studied to understand regeneration. Making use of this range of systems and approaches, recent advances have allowed progress to be made in understanding several key issues that are common to natural regenerative events. These issues include: the determination of regenerative capacity; the importance of stem cells, dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation; how regenerative signals are initiated and targeted; and the mechanisms that control regenerative proliferation and patterning.

The Hemimelic extra toes mouse mutant: Historical perspective on unraveling mechanisms of dysmorphogenesis

Hemimelic extra toes (Hx) arose spontaneously as a dominant mutation in B10.D2/nSnJ mice in 1967. It specifically affects the appendicular skeleton, causing variable foreshortening of the tibia (radius) and preaxial polydactylism. Early anatomical studies revealed anterior overgrowth of the autopod, with decreased apoptosis and increased mitosis in the anterior apical ectodermal ridge and underlying mesenchyme; overextension of apoptosis in the central zeugopod accounted for hemimelia. The Hx mutant phenotype was coarsely mapped to mouse chromosome (Chr) 5 and closely linked to engrailed-2 (En2) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh). This region is syntenic to human Chr 7q36 that harbors several dominant mutations affecting the hand. High-resolution genome mapping identified the Hx mutation as a G --> A base pair transition within Intron 5 of the murine Lmbr1 locus. The critical effect is on a multifunctional conserved regulatory element that acts as a limb-specific, long-distance cis-acting enhancer of Shh expression. As such, the Hx mutant phenotype results from ectopic Shh signals at the anterior margin of the limb bud that directly or indirectly alter FGF4 signaling from the apical ectodermal ridge. Given significant advances in understanding of embryonic development in general and limb development in particular, this review article reveals how research that once attracted interest of teratologists has advanced across the decades to pinpoint a critical molecular lesion and reveal a potential mechanism of a specific malformation that is found commonly in experimental teratology.

Preaxial polydactyly: interactions among ETV, TWIST1 and HAND2 control anterior-posterior patterning of the limb

Preaxial polydactyly (PPD) is a common limb-associated birth defect characterized by extra digit(s) in the anterior autopod. It often results from ectopic sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in the anterior limb bud. Although several transcription factors are known to restrict Shh expression to the posterior limb bud, how they function together remains unclear. Here we provide evidence from mouse conditional knockout limb buds that the bHLH family transcription factor gene Twist1 is required to inhibit Shh expression in the anterior limb bud mesenchyme. More importantly, we uncovered genetic synergism between Twist1 and the ETS family transcription factor genes Etv4 and Etv5 (collectively Etv), which also inhibit Shh expression. Biochemical data suggest that this genetic interaction is a result of direct association between TWIST1 and ETV proteins. Previous studies have shown that TWIST1 functions by forming homodimers or heterodimers with other bHLH factors including HAND2, a key positive regulator of Shh expression. We found that the PPD phenotype observed in Etv mutants is suppressed by a mutation in Hand2, indicative of genetic antagonism. Furthermore, overexpression of ETV proteins influences the dimerization of these bHLH factors. Together, our data suggest that through biochemical interactions, the Shh expression regulators ETV, TWIST1 and HAND2 attain a precise balance to establish anterior-posterior patterning of the limb.

Twist1 activity thresholds define multiple functions in limb development

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Twist1 is essential for normal limb development. Twist1(-/-) embryos die at midgestation. However, studies on early limb buds found that Twist1(-/-) mutant limb mesenchyme has an impaired response to FGF signaling from the apical ectodermal ridge, which disrupts the feedback loop between the mesenchyme and AER, and reduces and shifts anteriorly Shh expression in the zone of polarizing activity. We have combined Twist1 null, hypomorph and conditional alleles to generate a Twist1 allelic series that survives to birth. As Twist1 activity is reduced, limb skeletal defects progress from preaxial polydactyly to girdle reduction combined with hypoplasia, aplasia or mirror symmetry of all limb segments. With reduced Twist1 activity there is striking and progressive upregulation of ectopic Shh expression in the anterior of the limb, combined with an anterior shift in the posterior Shh domain, which is expressed at normal intensity, and loss of the posterior AER. Consequently limb outgrowth is initially impaired, before an ectopic anterior Shh domain expands the AER, promoting additional growth and repatterning. Reducing the dosage of FGF targets of the Etv gene family, which are known repressors of Shh expression in anterior limb mesenchyme, strongly enhances the anterior skeletal phenotype. Conversely this and other phenotypes are suppressed by reducing the dosage of the Twist1 antagonist Hand2. Our data support a model whereby multiple Twist1 activity thresholds contribute to early limb bud patterning, and suggest how particular combinations of skeletal defects result from differing amounts of Twist1 activity.

Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) and Indian hedgehog regulate digit outgrowth mediated by the phalanx-forming region

Elongation of the digit rays resulting in the formation of a defined number of phalanges is a process poorly understood in mammals, whereas in the chicken distal mesenchymal bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the so-called phalanx-forming region (PFR) or digit crescent (DC) seems to be involved. The human brachydactylies (BDs) are inheritable conditions characterized by variable degrees of digit shortening, thus providing an ideal model to analyze the development and elongation of phalanges. We used a mouse model for BDB1 (Ror2(W749X/W749X)) lacking middle phalanges and show that a signaling center corresponding to the chick PFR exists in the mouse, which is diminished in BDB1 mice. This resulted in a strongly impaired elongation of the digit condensations due to reduced chondrogenic commitment of undifferentiated distal mesenchymal cells. We further show that a similar BMP-based mechanism accounts for digit shortening in a mouse model for the closely related condition BDA1 (Ihh(E95K/E95K)), altogether indicating the functional significance of the PFR in mammals. Genetic interaction experiments as well as pathway analysis in BDB1 mice suggest that Indian hedgehog and WNT/beta-catenin signaling, which we show is inhibited by receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) in distal limb mesenchyme, are acting upstream of BMP signaling in the PFR.

Divergent transcriptional activities determine limb identity

Limbs develop using a common genetic programme despite widely differing morphologies. This programme is modulated by limb-restricted regulators such as hindlimb (HL) transcription factors Pitx1 and Tbx4 and the forelimb (FL) Tbx5. Both Tbx factors have been implicated in limb patterning and growth, but their relative activities and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this paper, we show that Tbx4 and Tbx5 harbour conserved and divergent transcriptional regulatory domains that account for their roles in limb development. In particular, both factors share an activator domain and the ability to stimulate limb growth. However, we find that Tbx4 is the primary effector of HL identity for both skeletal and muscle development; this activity relies on a repressor domain that is inactivated by a human TBX4 small-patella syndrome mutation. We propose that limb identity is largely achieved by default in FL, whereas a specific repressor activity unique to Tbx4 determines HL identity.

Heart of newt: a recipe for regeneration

The field of regenerative medicine holds tremendous promise for the treatment of chronic diseases. While the adult mammalian heart has limited regenerative capacity, previous studies have focused on cellular therapeutic strategies in an attempt to modulate cardiac regeneration. An alternative strategy relies on the modulation of endogenous stem/progenitor cells or signaling pathways to promote cardiac regeneration. Several organisms, including the newt, have an incomparable capacity for the regeneration of differentiated tissues. An enhanced understanding of the signals, pathways, and factors that mediate the regenerative response in these organisms may be useful in modulating the regenerative response of mammalian organs including the injured adult heart.

Bare bones pattern formation: a core regulatory network in varying geometries reproduces major features of vertebrate limb development and evolution

BACKGROUND

Major unresolved questions regarding vertebrate limb development concern how the numbers of skeletal elements along the proximodistal (P-D) and anteroposterior (A-P) axes are determined and how the shape of a growing limb affects skeletal element formation. There is currently no generally accepted model for these patterning processes, but recent work on cartilage development (chondrogenesis) indicates that precartilage tissue self-organizes into nodular patterns by cell-molecular circuitry with local auto-activating and lateral inhibitory (LALI) properties. This process is played out in the developing limb in the context of a gradient of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) emanating from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER).

RESULTS

We have simulated the behavior of the core chondrogenic mechanism of the developing limb in the presence of an FGF gradient using a novel computational environment that permits simulation of LALI systems in domains of varying shape and size. The model predicts the normal proximodistal pattern of skeletogenesis as well as distal truncations resulting from AER removal. Modifications of the model's parameters corresponding to plausible effects of Hox proteins and formins, and of the reshaping of the model limb, bud yielded simulated phenotypes resembling mutational and experimental variants of the limb. Hypothetical developmental scenarios reproduce skeletal morphologies with features of fossil limbs.

CONCLUSIONS

The limb chondrogenic regulatory system operating in the presence of a gradient has an inherent, robust propensity to form limb-like skeletal structures. The bare bones framework can accommodate ancillary gene regulatory networks controlling limb bud shaping and establishment of Hox expression domains. This mechanism accounts for major features of the normal limb pattern and, under variant geometries and different parameter values, those of experimentally manipulated, genetically aberrant and evolutionary early forms, with no requirement for an independent system of positional information.

The temporal dynamics of vertebrate limb development, teratogenesis and evolution

Recent genetic and functional analysis of vertebrate limb development begins to reveal how the functions of particular genes and regulatory hierarchies can drastically change over time. The temporal and spatial interplay of the two instructive signalling centres are part of a larger signalling system that orchestrates limb bud morphogenesis in a rather self-regulatory manner. It appears that mesenchymal cells are specified early and subsequently, the progenitors for the different skeletal elements are expanded and determined progressively during outgrowth. Mutations and teratogens that disrupt distal progression of limb development most often cause death of the early-specified progenitors rather than altering their fates. The proliferative expansion and distal progression of paired appendage development was one of the main driving forces behind the transition from fin to limb buds during paired appendage evolution. Finally, the adaptive diversification or loss of modern tetrapod limbs in particular phyla or species appear to be a consequence of evolutionary tampering with the regulatory systems that control distal progression of limb development.

Distinct roles of Hand2 in initiating polarity and posterior Shh expression during the onset of mouse limb bud development

The polarization of nascent embryonic fields and the endowment of cells with organizer properties are key to initiation of vertebrate organogenesis. One such event is antero-posterior (AP) polarization of early limb buds and activation of morphogenetic Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling in the posterior mesenchyme, which in turn promotes outgrowth and specifies the pentadactylous autopod. Inactivation of the Hand2 transcriptional regulator from the onset of mouse forelimb bud development disrupts establishment of posterior identity and Shh expression, which results in a skeletal phenotype identical to Shh deficient limb buds. In wild-type limb buds, Hand2 is part of the protein complexes containing Hoxd13, another essential regulator of Shh activation in limb buds. Chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that Hand2-containing chromatin complexes are bound to the far upstream cis-regulatory region (ZRS), which is specifically required for Shh expression in the limb bud. Cell-biochemical studies indicate that Hand2 and Hoxd13 can efficiently transactivate gene expression via the ZRS, while the Gli3 repressor isoform interferes with this positive transcriptional regulation. Indeed, analysis of mouse forelimb buds lacking both Hand2 and Gli3 reveals the complete absence of antero-posterior (AP) polarity along the entire proximo-distal axis and extreme digit polydactyly without AP identities. Our study uncovers essential components of the transcriptional machinery and key interactions that set-up limb bud asymmetry upstream of establishing the SHH signaling limb bud organizer.

During early limb bud development, posterior mesenchymal cells are selected to express Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), which controls antero-posterior (AP) limb axis formation (axis from thumb to little finger). We generated a conditional loss-of-function Hand2 allele to inactivate Hand2 specifically in mouse limb buds. This genetic analysis reveals the pivotal role of Hand2 in setting up limb bud asymmetry as initiation of posterior identity and establishment of the Shh expression domain are completely disrupted in Hand2 deficient limb buds. The resulting loss of the ulna and digits mirror the skeletal malformations observed in Shh-deficient limbs. We show that Hand2 is part of the chromatin complexes that are bound to the cis-regulatory region that controls Shh expression specifically in limb buds. In addition, we show that Hand2 is part of a protein complex containing Hoxd13, which also participates in limb bud mesenchymal activation of Shh expression. Indeed, Hand2 and Hoxd13 stimulate ZRS–mediated transactivation in cells, while the Gli3 repressor form (Gli3R) interferes with this up-regulation. Interestingly, limb buds lacking both Hand2 and Gli3 lack AP asymmetry and are severely polydactylous. Molecular analysis reveals some of the key interactions and hierarchies that govern establishment of AP limb asymmetries upstream of SHH.

Gene replacement strategies to test the functional redundancy of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors control developmental decisions for a wide range of embryonic cell types. Hand1 and Hand2 are closely related bHLH proteins that control cardiac, craniofacial, and limb development. Within the developing heart, Hand1 expression becomes restricted predominantly to the left ventricle, whereas Hand2 becomes restricted predominantly to the left ventricle, for which findings have shown each Hand factor to be necessary for normal chamber formation. Forced overexpression of Hand1 throughout the early developing heart induces abnormal interventricular septal development, with resulting pathogenesis of congenital heart defects. To investigate the potential transcriptional mechanisms involved in heart morphogenesis by Hand2, this study used a replacement targeting approach to knock Hand2 into the Hand1 locus and ectopically express one copy of Hand2 within the endogenous Hand1 expression domain in the developing hearts of transgenic mice. The findings show that high-percentage Hand1 ( Hand2 ) chimeras die at birth and exhibit a range of congenital heart defects. These findings suggest that Hand factors may act via unique transcriptional mechanisms mediated by bHLH factor partner choice, supporting the notion that alterations of Hand factor stoichiometry may be as deleterious to normal heart morphogenesis as Hand factor loss of function.