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Leafy and weedy seadragon genomes connect genic and repetitive DNA features to the extravagant biology of syngnathid fishes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119602119. [PMID: 35733255 PMCID: PMC9245644 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119602119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Seadragons are widely recognized for their derived traits, which include leaf-like appendages and extreme spinal curvature. Efforts to understand the genetic basis of these unique traits and conserve these species and their relatives have been limited by genomic resource gaps. In this paper we present full, annotated genomes of leafy and weedy seadragons, which we use to uncover surprising features of gene family and genome architecture evolution that likely relate to the extravagant phenotypic traits of seadragons and their pipefish and seahorse relatives. These genomes and their analyses are important advances for the study of elaborate vertebrate traits, leveraging this diverse, morphologically exceptional group of fishes. Seadragons are a remarkable lineage of teleost fishes in the family Syngnathidae, renowned for having evolved male pregnancy. Comprising three known species, seadragons are widely recognized and admired for their fantastical body forms and coloration, and their specific habitat requirements have made them flagship representatives for marine conservation and natural history interests. Until recently, a gap has been the lack of significant genomic resources for seadragons. We have produced gene-annotated, chromosome-scale genome models for the leafy and weedy seadragon to advance investigations of evolutionary innovation and elaboration of morphological traits in seadragons as well as their pipefish and seahorse relatives. We identified several interesting features specific to seadragon genomes, including divergent noncoding regions near a developmental gene important for integumentary outgrowth, a high genome-wide density of repetitive DNA, and recent expansions of transposable elements and a vesicular trafficking gene family. Surprisingly, comparative analyses leveraging the seadragon genomes and additional syngnathid and outgroup genomes revealed striking, syngnathid-specific losses in the family of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), which likely involve reorganization of highly conserved gene regulatory networks in ways that have not previously been documented in natural populations. The resources presented here serve as important tools for future evolutionary studies of developmental processes in syngnathids and hold value for conservation of the extravagant seadragons and their relatives.
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Sharma D, Mirando AJ, Leinroth A, Long JT, Karner CM, Hilton MJ. HES1 is a novel downstream modifier of the SHH-GLI3 Axis in the development of preaxial polydactyly. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009982. [PMID: 34928956 PMCID: PMC8726490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog/GLI3 signaling is critical in regulating digit number, such that Gli3-deficiency results in polydactyly and Shh-deficiency leads to digit number reductions. SHH/GLI3 signaling regulates cell cycle factors controlling mesenchymal cell proliferation, while simultaneously regulating Grem1 to coordinate BMP-induced chondrogenesis. SHH/GLI3 signaling also coordinates the expression of additional genes, however their importance in digit formation remain unknown. Utilizing genetic and molecular approaches, we identified HES1 as a downstream modifier of the SHH/GLI signaling axis capable of inducing preaxial polydactyly (PPD), required for Gli3-deficient PPD, and capable of overcoming digit number constraints of Shh-deficiency. Our data indicate that HES1, a direct SHH/GLI signaling target, induces mesenchymal cell proliferation via suppression of Cdkn1b, while inhibiting chondrogenic genes and the anterior autopod boundary regulator, Pax9. These findings establish HES1 as a critical downstream effector of SHH/GLI3 signaling in the development of PPD. Sonic Hedgehog/GLI3 signaling is critical in regulating digit number, such that Gli3-deficiency results in additional digits and Shh-deficiency leads to digit number reductions. SHH/GLI3 signaling within the developing limb regulates numerous genes critical for proper autopod (hand/foot) development, however not all target genes are known to be truly important for digit formation. Utilizing genetic and molecular approaches, we identified HES1 as a downstream modifier of the SHH/GLI signaling axis capable of inducing preaxial polydactyly (PPD), required for Gli3-deficient PPD, and capable of overcoming digit number constraints of Shh-deficiency. We further propose a mechanistic model by which HES1 coordinates the expression of genes important for proper digit development. These findings establish HES1 as a critical downstream effector of SHH/GLI3 signaling in the development of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Sharma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Anthony J. Mirando
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Abigail Leinroth
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jason T. Long
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Courtney M. Karner
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Hilton
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Patel R, Singh SK, Bhattacharya V, Ali A. Novel HOXD13 variants in syndactyly type 1b and type 1c, and a new spectrum of TP63-related disorders. J Hum Genet 2021; 67:43-49. [PMID: 34321610 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00963-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Syndactyly is the most common limb defect depicting the bony and/or cutaneous fusion of digits. Syndactyly can be of various types depending on the digits involved in the fusion. To date, eight syndactyly-associated genes have been reported, of which HOXD13 and GJA1 have been explored in a few syndactyly but most of them have unknown underlying genetics. In the present study HOXD13, GJA1 and TP63 genes have been screened by resequencing in 24 unrelated sporadic cases with various syndactyly. The screening revealed two pathogenic HOXD13 variants, NM_000523:c.500 A > G [p.(Y167C)], and NM_000523:c.961 A > C [p.(T321P)] in syndactyly type 1b and type 1c, respectively. This is the first report to identify HOXD13 pathogenic variant in syndactyly type 1b and third report in syndactyly type 1c pathogenesis. Furthermore, this study also reports a TP63 pathogenic variant, NM_003722:c.953 G > A [p.(R318H)] in Ectrodactyly and Cleft lip and palate (ECLP). In conclusion, the current study expands the clinical spectrum of HOXD13 and TP63-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Patel
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.,National Cancer Institute, Frederick, NIH, USA
| | | | - Visweswar Bhattacharya
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Akhtar Ali
- Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
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Anderson LM, Fox DB, Chesney KL, Coates JR, Torres BT, Lyons LA. Skeletal Manifestations of Heritable Disproportionate Dwarfism in Cats as Determined by Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2021; 34:327-337. [PMID: 34082456 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize the radiographic alignment of thoracic and pelvic limbs and evaluate for intervertebral disc disease in cats with feline disproportionate dwarfism (FDD). STUDY DESIGN Observational cross-sectional study. Radiographic joint orientation angles were measured in 10 thoracic and pelvic limbs from 5 FDD cats and compared with those angles measured in 24 thoracic limbs and 100 pelvic limbs from skeletally normal cats. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was performed in 2 FDD cats for the evaluation of pathology of the intervertebral discs or vertebrae. RESULTS All limbs from FDD cats possessed deformities. FDD humeri demonstrated procurvatum proximally, and recurvatum distally in the sagittal plane, but showed no difference in the frontal plane. FDD radii possessed excessive recurvatum proximally, and procurvatum distally in the sagittal plane, and varus proximally and valgus distally in the frontal plane. Whereas no torsion was discernible in the humeri, all radii had external torsion. In the frontal plane, FDD femurs exhibited varus both proximally and distally whereas the tibia possessed proximal valgus and distal varus. No torsion in the pelvic limbs was observed. No spinal pathology was detected in the FDD cats included in the original study. CONCLUSION Feline disproportionate dwarfism results in significant appendicular deformity in all limbs. The incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration in FDD cats is inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Anderson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Derek B Fox
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Kari L Chesney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Joan R Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Bryan T Torres
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
| | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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Jumping Locomotion Strategies: From Animals to Bioinspired Robots. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10238607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Jumping is a locomotion strategy widely evolved in both invertebrates and vertebrates. In addition to terrestrial animals, several aquatic animals are also able to jump in their specific environments. In this paper, the state of the art of jumping robots has been systematically analyzed, based on their biological model, including invertebrates (e.g., jumping spiders, locusts, fleas, crickets, cockroaches, froghoppers and leafhoppers), vertebrates (e.g., frogs, galagoes, kangaroos, humans, dogs), as well as aquatic animals (e.g., both invertebrates and vertebrates, such as crabs, water-striders, and dolphins). The strategies adopted by animals and robots to control the jump (e.g., take-off angle, take-off direction, take-off velocity and take-off stability), aerial righting, land buffering, and resetting are concluded and compared. Based on this, the developmental trends of bioinspired jumping robots are predicted.
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6
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Cordeiro IR, Yu R, Tanaka M. Regulation of the limb shape during the development of the Chinese softshell turtles. Evol Dev 2020; 22:451-462. [PMID: 32906209 PMCID: PMC7757393 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interdigital cell death is an important mechanism employed by amniotes to shape their limbs; inhibiting this process leads to the formation of webbed fingers, as seen in bats and ducks. The Chinese softshell turtle Pelodiscus sinensis (Reptilia: Testudines: Trionychidae) has a distinctive limb morphology: the anterior side of the limbs has partially webbed fingers with claw‐like protrusions, while the posterior fingers are completely enclosed in webbings. Here, P. sinensis embryos were investigated to gain insights on the evolution of limb‐shaping mechanisms in amniotes. We found cell death and cell senescence in their interdigital webbings. Spatial or temporal modulation of these processes were correlated with the appearance of indentations in the webbings, but not a complete regression of this tissue. No differences in interdigital cell proliferation were found. In subsequent stages, differential growth of the finger cartilages led to a major difference in limb shape. While no asymmetry in bone morphogenetic protein signaling was evident during interdigital cell death stages, some components of this pathway were expressed exclusively in the clawed digit tips, which also had earlier ossification. In addition, a delay and/or truncation in the chondrogenesis of the posterior digits was found in comparison with the anterior digits of P. sinensis, and also when compared with the previously published pattern of digit skeletogenesis of turtles without posterior webbings. In conclusion, modulation of cell death, as well as a heterochrony in digit chondrogenesis, may contribute to the formation of the unique limbs of the Chinese softshell turtles. Cell death and senescence shape the interdigital webbings of Pelodiscus sinensis. Delayed chondrogenesis/ossification and truncated tips are found in posterior digits, as well as differential expression of bone morphogenetic proteins and Msh homeobox 1 transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid R Cordeiro
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Reiko Yu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tanaka
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
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7
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Montero JA, Lorda-Diez CI, Sanchez-Fernandez C, Hurle JM. Cell death in the developing vertebrate limb: A locally regulated mechanism contributing to musculoskeletal tissue morphogenesis and differentiation. Dev Dyn 2020; 250:1236-1247. [PMID: 32798262 PMCID: PMC8451844 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim is to critically review current knowledge of the function and regulation of cell death in the developing limb. We provide a detailed, but short, overview of the areas of cell death observed in the developing limb, establishing their function in morphogenesis and structural development of limb tissues. We will examine the functions of this process in the formation and growth of the limb primordia, formation of cartilaginous skeleton, formation of synovial joints, and establishment of muscle bellies, tendons, and entheses. We will analyze the plasticity of the cell death program by focusing on the developmental potential of progenitors prior to death. Considering the prolonged plasticity of progenitors to escape from the death process, we will discuss a new biological perspective that explains cell death: this process, rather than secondary to a specific genetic program, is a consequence of the tissue building strategy employed by the embryo based on the formation of scaffolds that disintegrate once their associated neighboring structures differentiate. We examine the functions of cell death in the formation and growth of the limb primordia. We analyze the plasticity of the cell death program by focusing on the developmental potential of progenitors prior to death. Considering the prolonged plasticity of progenitors to escape from the death process and the absence of defined genetic program in their regulation we propose that cell death is a consequence of the tissue building strategy employed by the embryo regulated by epigenetic factors .
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Montero
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos I Lorda-Diez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | | | - Juan M Hurle
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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8
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Dickinson PJ, Bannasch DL. Current Understanding of the Genetics of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:431. [PMID: 32793650 PMCID: PMC7393939 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Premature degeneration of the intervertebral disc and its association with specific chondrodystrophic dog breeds has been recognized for over a century. Several lines of evidence including disease breed predisposition, studies suggesting heritability of premature intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) and association of a dog chromosome 12 (CFA 12) locus with intervertebral disc calcification have strongly supported a genetic component in IVDD in dogs. Recent studies documenting association of IVDD with an overexpressing FGF4 retrogene on CFA 12 have opened up new areas of investigation to further define the pathophysiology of premature IVDD. While preliminary data from studies investigating FGF4 retrogenes in IVDD implicate FGF4 overexpression as a major disease factor, they have also highlighted knowledge gaps in our understanding of intervertebral disc herniation which is a complex and multifactorial disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Dickinson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Danika L Bannasch
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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9
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Al Ghamdi MA, Al-Qattan MM, Hadadi A, Alabdulrahman A, Almuzzaini B, Alatwi N, AlBalwi MA. A classification system for split-hand/ foot malformation (SHFM): A proposal based on 3 pedigrees with WNT10B mutations. Eur J Med Genet 2019; 63:103738. [PMID: 31421290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SHFM6 (OMIM 225300) is caused by WNT10B pathogenic variants (12q13.12). It is one of the rarest forms of SHFM; with only seven pathogenic variants described in the world literature. Furthermore, it has not been determined if SHFM6 has specific phenotypic characteristics. In this paper, we present a case series of three unrelated families with SHFM6 caused by three novel WNT10B pathogenic variants. The index patient of the first family was homozygous for the nonsense variant c.676C > T (p.Arg226*) in the WNT10B gene. The index case of the second family had a homozygous splice variant c.338-1G > C in the WNT10B gene. Finally, the index case of the third family carried two different variants in the WNT10B gene: A nonsense variant (p.Arg226*), and a missense variant (p.Gln86Pro). The latter represents the first compound heterozygous pathogenic variant related to SHFM6. We also offer a classification system for the hand/foot defects to illustrate the specific phenotypic characteristics of SHFM6. Based on this classification and a review of all previously reported cases, we demonstrate that SHFM6 caused by WNT10B pathogenic variants have the following characteristics: more severe feet defects (compared to the hand defects), polydactyly, severe flexion digital contractures, and phalangeal dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak A Al Ghamdi
- Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ali Hadadi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstractive Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkareem Alabdulrahman
- Department of Medical Genomics Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Almuzzaini
- Department of Medical Genomics Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasser Alatwi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A AlBalwi
- Department of Medical Genomics Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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10
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Phenotypic Effects of FGF4 Retrogenes on Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10060435. [PMID: 31181696 PMCID: PMC6627552 DOI: 10.3390/genes10060435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Two FGF4 retrogenes on chromosomes 12 (12-FGF4RG) and 18 (18-FGF4RG) contribute to short-limbed phenotypes in dogs. 12-FGF4RG has also been associated with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Both of these retrogenes were found to be widespread among dog breeds with allele frequencies ranging from 0.02 to 1; however, their additive contribution to disease is unknown. Surgical cases of IVDD (n = 569) were evaluated for age of onset, disc calcification, and genotypes for the FGF4 retrogenes. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified the presence of one or two copies of 12-FGF4RG associated with significantly younger age at first surgery in a dominant manner. 18-FGF4RG had only a minor effect in dogs with one copy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that 12-FGF4RG had an additive effect on radiographic disc calcification, while 18-FGF4RG had no effect. Multivariable logistic regression using mixed breed cases and controls identified only 12-FGF4RG as highly associated with disc herniation in a dominant manner (Odds Ratio, OR, 18.42, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 7.44 to 50.26; p < 0.001). The relative risk for disc surgery associated with 12-FGF4RG varied from 5.5 to 15.1 within segregating breeds and mixed breeds. The FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 acts in a dominant manner to decrease the age of onset and increase the overall risk of disc disease in dogs. Other modifiers of risk may be present within certain breeds, including the FGF4 retrogene on CFA18.
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11
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Jin L, Wu J, Bellusci S, Zhang JS. Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 and Vertebrate Limb Development. Front Genet 2019; 9:705. [PMID: 30687387 PMCID: PMC6338048 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early limb development requires fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)-mediated coordination between growth and patterning to ensure the proper formation of a functional organ. The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is a domain of thickened epithelium located at the distal edge of the limb bud that coordinates outgrowth along the proximodistal axis. Considerable amount of work has been done to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying induction, maintenance and regression of the AER. Fgf10, a paracrine Fgf that elicits its biological responses by activating the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (Fgfr2b), is crucial for governing proximal distal outgrowth as well as patterning and acts upstream of the known AER marker Fgf8. A transgenic mouse line allowing doxycycline-based inducible and ubiquitous expression of a soluble form of Fgfr2b has been extensively used to identify the role of Fgfr2b ligands at different time points during development. Overexpression of soluble Fgfr2b (sFgfr2b) post-AER induction leads to irreversible loss of cellular β-catenin organization and decreased Fgf8 expression in the AER. A similar approach has been carried out pre-AER induction. The observed limb phenotype is similar to the severe proximal truncations observed in human babies exposed to thalidomide, which has been proposed to block the Fgf10-AER-Fgf8 feedback loop. Novel insights on the role of Fgf10 signaling in limb formation pre- and post-AER induction are summarized in this review and will be integrated with possible future investigations on the role of Fgf10 throughout limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Wenzhou, China
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jin-San Zhang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University-Wenzhou Medical University Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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12
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Al-Qattan MM. A Review of the Genetics and Pathogenesis of Syndactyly in Humans and Experimental Animals: A 3-Step Pathway of Pathogenesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9652649. [PMID: 31637260 PMCID: PMC6766129 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9652649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Embryology of normal web space creation and the genetics of syndactyly in humans and experimental animals are well described in the literature. In this review, the author offers a 3-step pathway of pathogenesis for syndactyly. The first step is initiated either by the overactivation of the WNT canonical pathway or the suppression of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) canonical pathway. This leads to an overexpression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 8 (FGF8). The final step is the suppression of retinoic acid in the interdigital mesenchyme leading to suppression of both apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, resulting in syndactyly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Al-Qattan
- Professor of Hand Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Al-Qattan MM, Alkuraya FS. Cenani-Lenz syndrome and other related syndactyly disorders due to variants in LRP4, GREM1/FMN1, and APC: Insight into the pathogenesis and the relationship to polyposis through the WNT and BMP antagonistic pathways. Am J Med Genet A 2018; 179:266-279. [PMID: 30569497 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.60694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cenani-Lenz (C-L) syndrome is characterized by oligosyndactyly, metacarpal synostosis, phalangeal disorganization, and other variable facial and systemic features. Most cases are caused by homozygous and compound heterozygous missense and splice mutations of the LRP4 gene. Currently, the syndrome carries one OMIM number (212780). However, C-L syndrome-like phenotypes as well as other syndactyly disorders with or without metacarpal synostosis/phalangeal disorganization are also known to be associated with specific LRP4 mutations, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) truncating mutations, genomic rearrangements of the GREM1-FMN1 locus, as well as FMN1 mutations. Surprisingly, patients with C-L syndrome-like phenotype caused by APC truncating mutations have no polyposis despite the increased levels of β catenin. The LRP4 and APC proteins act on the WNT (wingless-type integration site family) canonical pathway, whereas the GREM-1 and FMN1 proteins act on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway. In this review, we discuss the different mutations associated with C-L syndrome, classify its clinical features, review familial adenomatous polyposis caused by truncating APC mutations and compare these mutations to the splicing APC mutation associated with syndactyly, and finally, explore the pathophysiology through a review of the cross talks between the WNT canonical and the BMP antagonistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Al-Qattan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Division of Plastic Surgery, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Bosch PJ, Fuller LC, Weiner JA. An essential role for the nuclear protein Akirin2 in mouse limb interdigital tissue regression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12240. [PMID: 30116001 PMCID: PMC6095873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of interdigital tissue regression requires the interplay of multiple spatiotemporally-controlled morphogen gradients to ensure proper limb formation and release of individual digits. Disruption to this process can lead to a number of limb abnormalities, including syndactyly. Akirins are highly conserved nuclear proteins that are known to interact with chromatin remodelling machinery at gene enhancers. In mammals, the analogue Akirin2 is essential for embryonic development and critical for a wide variety of roles in immune function, meiosis, myogenesis and brain development. Here we report a critical role for Akirin2 in the regulation of interdigital tissue regression in the mouse limb. Knockout of Akirin2 in limb epithelium leads to a loss of interdigital cell death and an increase in cell proliferation, resulting in retention of the interdigital web and soft-tissue syndactyly. This is associated with perdurance of Fgf8 expression in the ectoderm overlying the interdigital space. Our study supports a mechanism whereby Akirin2 is required for the downregulation of Fgf8 from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) during limb development, and implies its requirement in signalling between interdigital mesenchymal cells and the AER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Bosch
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Leah C Fuller
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joshua A Weiner
- Department of Biology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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15
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Schmidt L, Taiyab A, Melvin VS, Jones KL, Williams T. Increased FGF8 signaling promotes chondrogenic rather than osteogenic development in the embryonic skull. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm031526. [PMID: 29752281 PMCID: PMC6031357 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bones of the cranial vault are formed directly from mesenchymal cells through intramembranous ossification rather than via a cartilage intermediate. Formation and growth of the skull bones involves the interaction of multiple cell-cell signaling pathways, with fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors exerting a prominent influence. Mutations within the FGF signaling pathway are the most frequent cause of craniosynostosis, which is a common human craniofacial developmental abnormality characterized by the premature fusion of the cranial sutures. Here, we have developed new mouse models to investigate how different levels of increased FGF signaling can affect the formation of the calvarial bones and associated sutures. Whereas moderate Fgf8 overexpression resulted in delayed ossification followed by craniosynostosis of the coronal suture, higher Fgf8 levels promoted a loss of ossification and favored cartilage over bone formation across the skull. By contrast, endochondral bones were still able to form and ossify in the presence of increased levels of Fgf8, although the growth and mineralization of these bones were affected to varying extents. Expression analysis demonstrated that abnormal skull chondrogenesis was accompanied by changes in the genes required for Wnt signaling. Moreover, further analysis indicated that the pathology was associated with decreased Wnt signaling, as the reduction in ossification could be partially rescued by halving Axin2 gene dosage. Taken together, these findings indicate that mesenchymal cells of the skull are not fated to form bone, but can be forced into a chondrogenic fate through the manipulation of FGF8 signaling. These results have implications for evolution of the different methods of ossification as well as for therapeutic intervention in craniosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Schmidt
- Program of Reproductive Sciences and Integrated Physiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Aftab Taiyab
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vida Senkus Melvin
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Trevor Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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16
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FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 is responsible for chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11476-11481. [PMID: 29073074 PMCID: PMC5664524 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1709082114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chondrodystrophy, characterized by short limbs and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), is a common phenotype in many of the most popular dog breeds, including the dachshund, beagle, and French bulldog. Here, we report the identification of a FGF4 retrogene insertion on chromosome 12, the second FGF4 retrogene reported in the dog, as responsible for chondrodystrophy and IVDD. Identification of the causative mutation for IVDD will impact an incredibly large proportion of the dog population and provides a model for IVDD in humans, as FGF-associated mutations are responsible for IVDD and short stature in human achondroplasia. This is a report of a second retrogene copy of the same parental gene, each causing complementary disease phenotypes in a mammalian species. Chondrodystrophy in dogs is defined by dysplastic, shortened long bones and premature degeneration and calcification of intervertebral discs. Independent genome-wide association analyses for skeletal dysplasia (short limbs) within a single breed (PBonferroni = 0.01) and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) across breeds (PBonferroni = 4.0 × 10−10) both identified a significant association to the same region on CFA12. Whole genome sequencing identified a highly expressed FGF4 retrogene within this shared region. The FGF4 retrogene segregated with limb length and had an odds ratio of 51.23 (95% CI = 46.69, 56.20) for IVDD. Long bone length in dogs is a unique example of multiple disease-causing retrocopies of the same parental gene in a mammalian species. FGF signaling abnormalities have been associated with skeletal dysplasia in humans, and our findings present opportunities for both selective elimination of a medically and financially devastating disease in dogs and further understanding of the ever-growing complexity of retrogene biology.
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17
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Mariani FV, Fernandez-Teran M, Ros MA. Ectoderm-mesoderm crosstalk in the embryonic limb: The role of fibroblast growth factor signaling. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:208-216. [PMID: 28002626 PMCID: PMC8262604 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this commentary we focus on the function of FGFs during limb development and morphogenesis. Our goal is to understand, interpret and, when possible, reconcile the interesting findings and conflicting results that remain unexplained. For example, the cell death pattern observed after surgical removal of the AER versus genetic removal of the AER-Fgfs is strikingly different and the field is at an impasse with regard to an explanation. We also discuss the idea that AER function may involve signaling components in addition to the AER-FGFs and that signaling from the non-AER ectoderm may also have a significant contribution. We hope that a re-evaluation of current studies and a discussion of outstanding questions will motivate new experiments, especially considering the availability of new technologies, that will fuel further progress toward understanding the intricate ectoderm-to-mesoderm crosstalk during limb development. Developmental Dynamics 246:208-216, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca V Mariani
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marian Fernandez-Teran
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Maria A Ros
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, CSIC-SODERCAN-Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
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18
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Matsubara H, Saito D, Abe G, Yokoyama H, Suzuki T, Tamura K. Upstream regulation for initiation of restricted Shh expression in the chick limb bud. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:417-430. [PMID: 28205287 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The organizing center, which serves as a morphogen source, has crucial functions in morphogenesis in animal development. The center is necessarily located in a certain restricted area in the morphogenetic field, and there are several ways in which an organizing center can be restricted. The organizing center for limb morphogenesis, the ZPA (zone of polarizing activity), specifically expresses the Shh gene and is restricted to the posterior region of the developing limb bud. RESULTS The pre-pattern along the limb anteroposterior axis, provided by anterior Gli3 expression and posterior Hand2 expression, seems insufficient for the initiation of Shh expression restricted to a narrow, small spot in the posterior limb field. Comparison of the spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression between Shh and some candidate genes (Fgf8, Hoxd10, Hoxd11, Tbx2, and Alx4) upstream of Shh expression suggested that a combination of these genes' expression provides the restricted initiation of Shh expression. CONCLUSIONS Taken together with results of functional assays, we propose a model in which positive and negative transcriptional regulatory networks accumulate their functions in the intersection area of their expression regions to provide a restricted spot for the ZPA, the source of morphogen, Shh. Developmental Dynamics 246:417-430, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Matsubara
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Daisuke Saito
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.,Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Gembu Abe
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
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19
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Norrie JL, Li Q, Co S, Huang BL, Ding D, Uy JC, Ji Z, Mackem S, Bedford MT, Galli A, Ji H, Vokes SA. PRMT5 is essential for the maintenance of chondrogenic progenitor cells in the limb bud. Development 2016; 143:4608-4619. [PMID: 27827819 DOI: 10.1242/dev.140715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During embryonic development, undifferentiated progenitor cells balance the generation of additional progenitor cells with differentiation. Within the developing limb, cartilage cells differentiate from mesodermal progenitors in an ordered process that results in the specification of the correct number of appropriately sized skeletal elements. The internal pathways by which these cells maintain an undifferentiated state while preserving their capacity to differentiate is unknown. Here, we report that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 has a crucial role in maintaining progenitor cells. Mouse embryonic buds lacking PRMT5 have severely truncated bones with wispy digits lacking joints. This novel phenotype is caused by widespread cell death that includes mesodermal progenitor cells that have begun to precociously differentiate into cartilage cells. We propose that PRMT5 maintains progenitor cells through its regulation of Bmp4 Intriguingly, adult and embryonic stem cells also require PRMT5 for maintaining pluripotency, suggesting that similar mechanisms might regulate lineage-restricted progenitor cells during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline L Norrie
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Swanie Co
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Bau-Lin Huang
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E3638, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jann C Uy
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Zhicheng Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E3638, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, CCR, NCI, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics & Molecular Carcinogenesis, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1808 Park Road 1C (P.O. Box 389), Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Antonella Galli
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E3638, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Steven A Vokes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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20
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Spatiotemporal distribution of proliferation, proapoptotic and antiapoptotic factors in the early human limb development. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:527-36. [PMID: 27282649 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of proliferation and apoptosis in the human limb development was analyzed electronmicroscopically and immunohistochemically in histological sections of 8 human embryos, 4(th) -10(th) week old, using apoptotic (caspase-3, AIF, BAX), anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and proliferation (Ki-67) markers, and TUNEL method. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post hoc test. Initially, developing human limbs consisted of mesenchymal core and surface ectoderm with apical ectodermal ridge (AER). During progression of development, strong proliferation activity gradually decreased in the mesenchyme (from 78% to 68%) and in the epithelium (from 62% to 42%), while in the differentiating finger cartilages proliferation was constantly low (26-7%). Apoptotic caspase-3 and AIF-positive cells characterized mesenchyme and AER at earliest stages, while during digit separation they appeared in interdigital mesenchyme as well. Strong Bcl-2 expression was observed in AER, subridge mesenchyme and phalanges, while BAX expression charaterized limb areas undergoing apoptosis. Ultrastructurally, proliferating cells showed mitotic figures, while apoptotic cells were characterized by nuclear fragmentation. Macrophages were observed around the apoptotic cells. We suggest that intense proliferation enables growth and elongation of human limb primordia, and differential growth of digits. Both caspase-3 and AIF-dependant pathways of cell death control the extent of AER and numer of cells in the subridge mesenchyme at earliest developmental stages, as well as process of digit separation at later stages of limb development. Spatio-temporal co-expresson of Bcl-2 and BAX indicates their role in suppression of apoptosis and selective stimulation of growth during human limb morphogenesis.
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21
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Hines EA, Verheyden JM, Lashua AJ, Larson SC, Branchfield K, Domyan ET, Gao J, Harvey JF, Herriges JC, Hu L, Mcculley DJ, Throckmorton K, Yokoyama S, Ikeda A, Xu G, Sun X. Syndactyly in a novel Fras1(rdf) mutant results from interruption of signals for interdigital apoptosis. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:497-507. [PMID: 26813283 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fras1 encodes an extracellular matrix protein that is critical for the establishment of the epidermal basement membrane during gestation. In humans, mutations in FRAS1 cause Fraser Syndrome (FS), a pleiotropic condition with many clinical presentations such as limb, eye, kidney, and craniofacial deformations. Many of these defects are mimicked by loss of Fras1 in mice, and are preceded by the formation of epidermal blisters in utero. RESULTS In this study, we identified a novel ENU-derived rounded foot (rdf) mouse mutant with highly penetrant hindlimb soft-tissue syndactyly, among other structural defects. Mapping and sequencing revealed that rdf is a novel loss-of-function nonsense allele of Fras1 (Fras1(rdf)). Focusing on the limb, we found that the Fras1(rdf) syndactyly phenotype originates from loss of interdigital cell death (ICD). Despite normal expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands and their receptors, the BMP downstream target gene Msx2, which is also necessary and sufficient to promote ICD, was down-regulated in the interdigital regions of Fras1(rdf) hindlimb buds. CONCLUSIONS The close correlation between limb bud epidermal blistering, decreased Msx2 expression, and reduced ICD in the Fras1(rdf) hindlimb buds suggests that epithelium detachment from the mesenchyme may create a physical gap that interrupts the transmission of BMP, among other signals, resulting in soft tissue syndactyly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amber J Lashua
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | - Sarah C Larson
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | | | - Eric T Domyan
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | - Juan Gao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China, 200031
| | - Julie F Harvey
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | - John C Herriges
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | - Linghan Hu
- Zhiyuan College Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, China, 200240
| | - David J Mcculley
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | | | | | - Akihiro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
| | - Guoliang Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, China, 200031
| | - Xin Sun
- Laboratory of Genetics University of Wisconsin Madison, WI, 53706
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22
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Kaltcheva MM, Anderson MJ, Harfe BD, Lewandoski M. BMPs are direct triggers of interdigital programmed cell death. Dev Biol 2016; 411:266-276. [PMID: 26826495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During vertebrate embryogenesis the interdigital mesenchyme is removed by programmed cell death (PCD), except in species with webbed limbs. Although bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have long been known to be players in this process, it is unclear if they play a direct role in the interdigital mesenchyme or if they only act indirectly, by affecting fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. A series of genetic studies have shown that BMPs act indirectly by regulating the withdrawal of FGF activity from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER); this FGF activity acts as a cell survival factor for the underlying mesenchyme. Other studies using exogenous factors to inhibit BMP activity in explanted mouse limbs suggest that BMPs do not act directly in the mesenchyme. To address the question of whether BMPs act directly, we used an interdigit-specific Cre line to inactivate several genes that encode components of the BMP signaling pathway, without perturbing the normal downregulation of AER-FGF activity. Of three Bmps expressed in the interdigital mesenchyme, Bmp7 is necessary for PCD, but Bmp2 and Bmp4 both have redundant roles, with Bmp2 being the more prominent player. Removing BMP signals to the interdigit by deleting the receptor gene, Bmpr1a, causes a loss of PCD and syndactyly, thereby unequivocally proving that BMPs are direct triggers of PCD in this tissue. We present a model in which two events must occur for normal interdigital PCD: the presence of a BMP death trigger and the absence of an FGF survival activity. We demonstrate that neither event is required for formation of the interdigital vasculature, which is necessary for PCD. However, both events converge on the production of reactive oxygen species that activate PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Kaltcheva
- Genetics of Vertebrate Development Section, Cancer and Developmental Biology Lab, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Matthew J Anderson
- Genetics of Vertebrate Development Section, Cancer and Developmental Biology Lab, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Brian D Harfe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, The Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mark Lewandoski
- Genetics of Vertebrate Development Section, Cancer and Developmental Biology Lab, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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23
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The many lives of SHH in limb development and evolution. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 49:116-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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24
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Handschuh K, Feenstra J, Koss M, Ferretti E, Risolino M, Zewdu R, Sahai MA, Bénazet JD, Peng XP, Depew MJ, Quintana L, Sharpe J, Wang B, Alcorn H, Rivi R, Butcher S, Manak JR, Vaccari T, Weinstein H, Anderson KV, Lacy E, Selleri L. ESCRT-II/Vps25 constrains digit number by endosome-mediated selective modulation of FGF-SHH signaling. Cell Rep 2014; 9:674-87. [PMID: 25373905 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorting and degradation of receptors and associated signaling molecules maintain homeostasis of conserved signaling pathways during cell specification and tissue development. Yet, whether machineries that sort signaling proteins act preferentially on different receptors and ligands in different contexts remains mysterious. Here, we show that Vacuolar protein sorting 25, Vps25, a component of ESCRT-II (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport II), directs preferential endosome-mediated modulation of FGF signaling in limbs. By ENU-induced mutagenesis, we isolated a polydactylous mouse line carrying a hypomorphic mutation of Vps25 (Vps25(ENU)). Unlike Vps25-null embryos we generated, Vps25(ENU/ENU) mutants survive until late gestation. Their limbs display FGF signaling enhancement and consequent hyperactivation of the FGF-SHH feedback loop causing polydactyly, whereas WNT and BMP signaling remain unperturbed. Notably, Vps25(ENU/ENU) Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts exhibit aberrant FGFR trafficking and degradation; however, SHH signaling is unperturbed. These studies establish that the ESCRT-II machinery selectively limits FGF signaling in vertebrate skeletal patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Handschuh
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jennifer Feenstra
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew Koss
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maurizio Risolino
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rediet Zewdu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michelle A Sahai
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jean-Denis Bénazet
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiao P Peng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michael J Depew
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Othopaedic Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Laura Quintana
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - James Sharpe
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Baolin Wang
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Heather Alcorn
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Roberta Rivi
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephen Butcher
- Departments of Biology and Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - J Robert Manak
- Departments of Biology and Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Thomas Vaccari
- IFOM-FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Harel Weinstein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kathryn V Anderson
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lacy
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Licia Selleri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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25
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Zhang X, Martinez D, Koledova Z, Qiao G, Streuli CH, Lu P. FGF ligands of the postnatal mammary stroma regulate distinct aspects of epithelial morphogenesis. Development 2014; 141:3352-62. [PMID: 25078648 DOI: 10.1242/dev.106732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
FGF signaling is essential for mammary gland development, yet the mechanisms by which different members of the FGF family control stem cell function and epithelial morphogenesis in this tissue are not well understood. Here, we have examined the requirement of Fgfr2 in mouse mammary gland morphogenesis using a postnatal organ regeneration model. We found that tissue regeneration from basal stem cells is a multistep event, including luminal differentiation and subsequent epithelial branching morphogenesis. Basal cells lacking Fgfr2 did not generate an epithelial network owing to a failure in luminal differentiation. Moreover, Fgfr2 null epithelium was unable to undergo ductal branch initiation and elongation due to a deficiency in directional migration. We identified FGF10 and FGF2 as stromal ligands that control distinct aspects of mammary ductal branching. FGF10 regulates branch initiation, which depends on directional epithelial migration. By contrast, FGF2 controls ductal elongation, requiring cell proliferation and epithelial expansion. Together, our data highlight a pleiotropic role of Fgfr2 in stem cell differentiation and branch initiation, and reveal that different FGF ligands regulate distinct aspects of epithelial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Zhang
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Denisse Martinez
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Zuzana Koledova
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Guijuan Qiao
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Charles H Streuli
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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26
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Norrie JL, Lewandowski JP, Bouldin CM, Amarnath S, Li Q, Vokes MS, Ehrlich LIR, Harfe BD, Vokes SA. Dynamics of BMP signaling in limb bud mesenchyme and polydactyly. Dev Biol 2014; 393:270-281. [PMID: 25034710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway are associated with a range of defects in skeletal formation. Genetic analysis of BMP signaling requirements is complicated by the presence of three partially redundant BMPs that are required for multiple stages of limb development. We generated an inducible allele of a BMP inhibitor, Gremlin, which reduces BMP signaling. We show that BMPs act in a dose and time dependent manner in which early reduction of BMPs result in digit loss, while inhibiting overall BMP signaling between E10.5 and E11.5 allows polydactylous digit formation. During this period, inhibiting BMPs extends the duration of FGF signaling. Sox9 is initially expressed in normal digit ray domains but at reduced levels that correlate with the reduction in BMP signaling. The persistence of elevated FGF signaling likely promotes cell proliferation and survival, inhibiting the activation of Sox9 and secondarily, inhibiting the differentiation of Sox9-expressing chondrocytes. Our results provide new insights into the timing and clarify the mechanisms underlying BMP signaling during digit morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline L Norrie
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jordan P Lewandowski
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Cortney M Bouldin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Smita Amarnath
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Martha S Vokes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lauren I R Ehrlich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Brian D Harfe
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, College of Medicine, UF Genetics Institute, 2033 Mowry Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Steven A Vokes
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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27
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Keppler-Noreuil KM, Sapp JC, Lindhurst MJ, Parker VER, Blumhorst C, Darling T, Tosi LL, Huson SM, Whitehouse RW, Jakkula E, Grant I, Balasubramanian M, Chandler KE, Fraser JL, Gucev Z, Crow YJ, Brennan LM, Clark R, Sellars EA, Pena LDM, Krishnamurty V, Shuen A, Braverman N, Cunningham ML, Sutton VR, Tasic V, Graham JM, Geer J, Henderson A, Semple RK, Biesecker LG. Clinical delineation and natural history of the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum. Am J Med Genet A 2014; 164A:1713-33. [PMID: 24782230 PMCID: PMC4320693 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations in the phosphatidylinositol/AKT/mTOR pathway cause segmental overgrowth disorders. Diagnostic descriptors associated with PIK3CA mutations include fibroadipose overgrowth (FAO), Hemihyperplasia multiple Lipomatosis (HHML), Congenital Lipomatous Overgrowth, Vascular malformations, Epidermal nevi, Scoliosis/skeletal and spinal (CLOVES) syndrome, macrodactyly, and the megalencephaly syndrome, Megalencephaly-Capillary malformation (MCAP) syndrome. We set out to refine the understanding of the clinical spectrum and natural history of these phenotypes, and now describe 35 patients with segmental overgrowth and somatic PIK3CA mutations. The phenotypic data show that these previously described disease entities have considerable overlap, and represent a spectrum. While this spectrum overlaps with Proteus syndrome (sporadic, mosaic, and progressive) it can be distinguished by the absence of cerebriform connective tissue nevi and a distinct natural history. Vascular malformations were found in 15/35 (43%) and epidermal nevi in 4/35 (11%) patients, lower than in Proteus syndrome. Unlike Proteus syndrome, 31/35 (89%) patients with PIK3CA mutations had congenital overgrowth, and in 35/35 patients this was asymmetric and disproportionate. Overgrowth was mild with little postnatal progression in most, while in others it was severe and progressive requiring multiple surgeries. Novel findings include: adipose dysregulation present in all patients, unilateral overgrowth that is predominantly left-sided, overgrowth that affects the lower extremities more than the upper extremities and progresses in a distal to proximal pattern, and in the most severely affected patients is associated with marked paucity of adipose tissue in unaffected areas. While the current data are consistent with some genotype-phenotype correlation, this cannot yet be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim M Keppler-Noreuil
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland,*Correspondence to:, Kim M. Keppler-Noreuil, M.D., National Human Genome Research Institute/NIH, 49 Convent Drive 4A83, Bethesda, MD 20892., E-mail:
| | - Julie C Sapp
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland
| | - Marjorie J Lindhurst
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland
| | - Victoria ER Parker
- The University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic ScienceCambridge, UK
| | - Cathy Blumhorst
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas Darling
- Department of Dermatology, Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesBethesda, Maryland
| | - Laura L Tosi
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Children's National Medical CenterWashington, District of Columbia
| | - Susan M Huson
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)Manchester, UK
| | - Richard W Whitehouse
- Department of Radiology, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road ManchesterManchester, UK
| | - Eveliina Jakkula
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Helsinki University Central HospitalHelsinki, Finland
| | - Ian Grant
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS TrustCambridge, UK
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation TrustSheffield, UK
| | - Kate E Chandler
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie L Fraser
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland
| | - Zoran Gucev
- Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, Medical Faculty SkopjeSkopje, Macedonia
| | - Yanick J Crow
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC)Manchester, UK
| | - Leslie Manace Brennan
- Medical Genetics, Kaiser Permanente Oakland, University of CaliforniaSan Francisco, California
| | - Robin Clark
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical CenterLoma Linda, California
| | - Elizabeth A Sellars
- Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Arkansas Children's HospitalLittle Rock, Arkansas
| | - Loren DM Pena
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical CenterDurham, North Carolina
| | | | - Andrew Shuen
- Department of Medical Genetics, McGill University Health CentreMontreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nancy Braverman
- Department of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital Research InstituteMontreal, Canada
| | - Michael L Cunningham
- Division of Craniofacial Medicine, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattle, Washington
| | - V Reid Sutton
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHouston, Texas
| | - Velibor Tasic
- University Children's Hospital, Medical SchoolSkopje, Macedonia
| | - John M Graham
- Clinical Genetics and Dysmorphology, Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterLos Angeles, California
| | - Joseph Geer
- Greenwood Genetics CenterGreenwood, South Carolina
| | - Alex Henderson
- Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle Upon Tyne HospitalsNewcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert K Semple
- The University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic ScienceCambridge, UK
| | - Leslie G Biesecker
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesda, Maryland
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Al-Qattan MM. Formation of normal interdigital web spaces in the hand revisited: implications for the pathogenesis of syndactyly in humans and experimental animals. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2014; 39:491-8. [PMID: 23719174 DOI: 10.1177/1753193413491931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The creation of the normal web spaces has been attributed to apoptosis. This paper presents evidence that lysosomal-mediated cell death and extracellular matrix degradation are important events in addition to cell death by apoptosis. The author proposes the use of the term interdigital cell death- extracellular matrix degradation instead of interdigital apoptosis. Furthermore, the concept of web creation by differential growth is introduced along with the discussion of the latest research in molecular biology and genetics on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Al-Qattan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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29
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Al-Qattan MM. Central and ulnar cleft hands: a review of concurrent deformities in a series of 47 patients and their pathogenesis. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2014; 39:510-9. [PMID: 23824219 DOI: 10.1177/1753193413496945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Two main types of cleft hands have been described. The ulnar cleft hand deformity is very rare and is characterized by two constant features: a deep cleft radial to the little finger and hypoplasia of the ulnar digits. The pathogenesis of ulnar clefts is unknown. The second type is the central cleft hand deformity, which is characterized by a soft tissue/bone defect in the hand centrally. Patients with central clefts also have several concurrent deformities in the remaining digits. This paper reviews the clinical features of three cases with ulnar cleft hands and 44 cases of central cleft hands, with special emphasis on concurrent deformities. The author's hypothesis of pathogenesis for both types of clefts and their concurrent deformities is then offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Al-Qattan
- Division of Plastic Surgery, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Zhang X, Qiao G, Lu P. Modulation of fibroblast growth factor signaling is essential for mammary epithelial morphogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92735. [PMID: 24718286 PMCID: PMC3981693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for vertebrate organogenesis, including mammary gland development. The mechanism whereby FGF signaling is regulated in the mammary gland, however, has remained unknown. Using a combination of mouse genetics and 3D ex vivo models, we tested the hypothesis that Spry2 gene, which encodes an inhibitor of signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in certain contexts, regulates FGF signaling during mammary branching. We found that Spry2 is expressed at various stages of the developing mammary gland. Targeted removal of Spry2 function from mammary epithelium leads to accelerated epithelial invasion. Spry2 is up-regulated by FGF signaling activities and its loss sensitizes mammary epithelium to FGF stimulation, as indicated by increased expression of FGF target genes and epithelia invasion. By contrast, Spry2 gain-of-function in the mammary epithelium results in reduced FGF signaling, epithelial invasion, and stunted branching. Furthermore, reduction of Spry2 expression is correlated with tumor progression in the MMTV-PyMT mouse model. Together, the data show that FGF signaling modulation by Spry2 is essential for epithelial morphogenesis in the mammary gland and it functions to protect the epithelium against tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Zhang
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Guijuan Qiao
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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31
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Lorda-Diez CI, Montero JA, Garcia-Porrero JA, Hurle JM. Divergent differentiation of skeletal progenitors into cartilage and tendon: lessons from the embryonic limb. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:72-9. [PMID: 24228739 DOI: 10.1021/cb400713v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Repairing damaged cartilage and tendons is a major challenge of regenerative medicine. There has been great progress in the past decade toward obtaining stem cells for regenerative purposes from a variety of sources. However, the development of procedures to direct and maintain the differentiation of progenitors into cartilage or tendon is still a hurdle to overcome in regenerative medicine of the musculoskeletal system. This is because connective tissues often lack stable phenotypes and retain plasticity to return to the initial stages of differentiation or to transdifferentiate into another connective tissue cell lineage. This makes it necessary to unravel the molecular basis that is responsible for the differentiation of connective tissue cell lineages. In this review, we summarize the investigations performed in the past two decades to unravel the signals that regulate the differentiation of skeletal cell progenitors into cartilage and tendons during embryonic limb development. The data obtained in those studies demonstrate that Tgfβ, BMP, FGF, and Wnt establish a complex signaling network that directs the differentiation of skeletal cell progenitors. Remarkably, in the embryonic digit model, the divergent differentiation of progenitors depends on the temporal coordination of those signals, rather than being specified by an individual signaling pathway. Due to its potential medical relevance, we highlight the importance of the coordinate influence of the Tgfβ and BMP pathways in the differentiation of cell progenitors into tendon or cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos I. Lorda-Diez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IFIMAV, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Juan A. Montero
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IFIMAV, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Juan A. Garcia-Porrero
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IFIMAV, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Juan M. Hurle
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IFIMAV, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
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32
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Abstract
Current concepts in the steps of upper limb development and the way the limb is patterned along its 3 spatial axes are reviewed. Finally, the embryogenesis of various congenital hand anomalies is delineated with an emphasis on the pathogenetic basis for each anomaly.
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33
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Iber D, Geyter CD. Computational modelling of bovine ovarian follicle development. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2013; 7:60. [PMID: 23856357 PMCID: PMC3726369 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-7-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The development of ovarian follicles hinges on the timely exposure to the appropriate combination of hormones. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are both produced in the pituitary gland and are transported via the blood circulation to the thecal layer surrounding the follicle. From there both hormones are transported into the follicle by diffusion. FSH-receptors are expressed mainly in the granulosa while LH-receptors are expressed in a gradient with highest expression in the theca. How this spatial organization is achieved is not known. Equally it is not understood whether LH and FSH trigger distinct signalling programs or whether the distinct spatial localization of their G-protein coupled receptors is sufficient to convey their distinct biological function. Results We have developed a data-based computational model of the spatio-temporal signalling processes within the follicle and (i) predict that FSH and LH form a gradient inside the follicle, (ii) show that the spatial distribution of FSH- and LH-receptors can arise from the well known regulatory interactions, and (iii) find that the differential activity of FSH and LH may well result from the distinct spatial localisation of their receptors, even when both receptors respond with the same intracellular signalling cascade to their ligand. Conclusion The model integrates the large amount of published data into a consistent framework that can now be used to better understand how observed defects translate into failed follicle maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Iber
- Department for Biosystems Science and Engineering-D-BSSE, ETH Zurich, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland.
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34
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Lin C, Yin Y, Bell SM, Veith GM, Chen H, Huh SH, Ornitz DM, Ma L. Delineating a conserved genetic cassette promoting outgrowth of body appendages. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003231. [PMID: 23358455 PMCID: PMC3554569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of the external genitalia allowed mammals to cope with terrestrial-specific reproductive needs for internal fertilization, and thus it represents one of the most fundamental steps in evolution towards a life on land. How genitalia evolved remains obscure, and the key to understanding this process may lie in the developmental genetics that underpins the early establishment of the genital primordium, the genital tubercle (GT). Development of the GT is similar to that of the limb, which requires precise regulation from a distal signaling epithelium. However, whether outgrowth of the GT and limbs is mediated by common instructive signals remains unknown. In this study, we used comprehensive genetic approaches to interrogate the signaling cascade involved in GT formation in comparison with limb formation. We demonstrate that the FGF ligand responsible for GT development is FGF8 expressed in the cloacal endoderm. We further showed that forced Fgf8 expression can rescue limb and GT reduction in embryos deficient in WNT signaling activity. Our studies show that the regulation of Fgf8 by the canonical WNT signaling pathway is mediated in part by the transcription factor SP8. Sp8 mutants elicit appendage defects mirroring WNT and FGF mutants, and abolishing Sp8 attenuates ectopic appendage development caused by a gain-of-function β-catenin mutation. These observations indicate that a conserved WNT-SP8-FGF8 genetic cassette is employed by both appendages for promoting outgrowth, and suggest a deep homology shared by the limb and external genitalia. Mammalian limbs and external genitalia are body appendages specialized for locomotion and internal fertilization, respectively. Despite their marked anatomical and functional differences, development of the limb and external genitalia appears to involve similar genetic controls, and some have suggested that regulatory mechanisms common to both might be evolutionarily linked. One essential aspect for appendage development is the establishment and maintenance of a separated proximodistal developmental axis apart from the main body axis, which is often instructed by a distal signaling epithelium. Herein, we adopted comprehensive mouse genetic approaches to investigate regulatory mechanisms underlying the distal signaling center in the limb and the GT, and uncovered a conserved genetic cassette that is utilized by both paired and unpaired appendages to establish a distal signaling center in the epithelium that mediates subsequent proximodistal outgrowth. Our results further suggested that the evolution of the external genital organ involved co-option of the same genetic program underpinning limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxing Lin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sheila M. Bell
- Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neonatology-and Pulmonary Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - G. Michael Veith
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hong Chen
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sung-Ho Huh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David M. Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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35
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Badugu A, Kraemer C, Germann P, Menshykau D, Iber D. Digit patterning during limb development as a result of the BMP-receptor interaction. Sci Rep 2012; 2:991. [PMID: 23251777 PMCID: PMC3524521 DOI: 10.1038/srep00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Turing models have been proposed to explain the emergence of digits during limb development. However, so far the molecular components that would give rise to Turing patterns are elusive. We have recently shown that a particular type of receptor-ligand interaction can give rise to Schnakenberg-type Turing patterns, which reproduce patterning during lung and kidney branching morphogenesis. Recent knockout experiments have identified Smad4 as a key protein in digit patterning. We show here that the BMP-receptor interaction meets the conditions for a Schnakenberg-type Turing pattern, and that the resulting model reproduces available wildtype and mutant data on the expression patterns of BMP, its receptor, and Fgfs in the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) when solved on a realistic 2D domain that we extracted from limb bud images of E11.5 mouse embryos. We propose that receptor-ligand-based mechanisms serve as a molecular basis for the emergence of Turing patterns in many developing tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarendra Badugu
- Department for Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) , ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
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36
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Zhang YT, Alber MS, Newman SA. Mathematical modeling of vertebrate limb development. Math Biosci 2012; 243:1-17. [PMID: 23219575 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review the major mathematical and computational models of vertebrate limb development and their roles in accounting for different aspects of this process. The main aspects of limb development that have been modeled include outgrowth and shaping of the limb bud, establishment of molecular gradients within the bud, and formation of the skeleton. These processes occur interdependently during development, although (as described in this review), there are various interpretations of the biological relationships among them. A wide range of mathematical and computational methods have been used to study these processes, including ordinary and partial differential equation systems, cellular automata and discrete, stochastic models, finite difference methods, finite element methods, the immersed boundary method, and various combinations of the above. Multiscale mathematical modeling and associated computational simulation have become integrated into the study of limb morphogenesis and pattern formation to an extent with few parallels in the field of developmental biology. These methods have contributed to the design and analysis of experiments employing microsurgical and genetic manipulations, evaluation of hypotheses for limb bud outgrowth, interpretation of the effects of natural mutations, and the formulation of scenarios for the origination and evolution of the limb skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Tao Zhang
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
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37
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Rabinowitz AH, Vokes SA. Integration of the transcriptional networks regulating limb morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2012; 368:165-80. [PMID: 22683377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The developing limb is one of the best described vertebrate systems for understanding how coordinated gene expression during embryogenesis leads to the structures present in the mature organism. This knowledge, derived from decades of research, is largely based upon gain- and loss-of-function experiments. These studies have provided limited information about how the key signaling pathways interact with each other and the downstream effectors of these pathways. We summarize our current understanding of known genetic interactions in the context of three temporally defined gene regulatory networks. These networks crystallize our current knowledge, depicting a dynamic process involving multiple feedback loops between the ectoderm and mesoderm. At the same time, they highlight the fact that many essential processes are still largely undescribed. Much of the dynamic transcriptional activity occurring during development is regulated by distal cis-regulatory elements. Modern genomic tools have provided new approaches for studying the function of cis-regulatory elements and we discuss the results of these studies in regard to understanding limb development. Ultimately, these genomic techniques will allow scientists to understand how multiple signaling pathways are integrated in space and time to drive gene expression and regulate the formation of the limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Rabinowitz
- Section of Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, One University Station A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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38
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A symphony of regulations centered on p63 to control development of ectoderm-derived structures. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:864904. [PMID: 21716671 PMCID: PMC3118300 DOI: 10.1155/2011/864904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53-related transcription factor p63 is critically important for basic cellular functions during development of the ectoderm and derived structure and tissues, including skin, limb, palate, and hair. On the one side, p63 is required to sustain the proliferation of keratinocyte progenitors, while on the other side it is required for cell stratification, commitment to differentiate, cell adhesion, and epithelial-mesenchymal signaling. Molecules that are components or regulators of the p63 pathway(s) are rapidly being identified, and it comes with no surprise that alterations in the p63 pathway lead to congenital conditions in which the skin and other ectoderm-derived structures are affected. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular regulations centered on p63, derived from the comprehension of p63-linked human diseases and the corresponding animal models, as well as from cellular models and high-throughput molecular approaches. We point out common themes and features, that allow to speculate on the possible role of p63 downstream events and their potential exploitation in future attempts to correct the congenital defect in preclinical studies.
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Hernández-Martínez R, Covarrubias L. Interdigital cell death function and regulation: New insights on an old programmed cell death model. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:245-58. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2010.01246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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40
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Oberg KC, Feenstra JM, Manske PR, Tonkin MA. Developmental biology and classification of congenital anomalies of the hand and upper extremity. J Hand Surg Am 2010; 35:2066-76. [PMID: 21134615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent investigations into the mechanism of limb development have clarified the roles of several molecules, their pathways, and interactions. Characterization of the molecular pathways that orchestrate limb development has provided insight into the etiology of many limb malformations. In this review, we describe how the insights from developmental biology are related to clinically relevant anomalies and the current classification schemes used to define, categorize, and communicate patterns of upper limb malformations. We advocate an updated classification scheme for upper limb anomalies that incorporates our current molecular perspective of limb development and the pathogenetic basis for malformations using dysmorphology terminology. We anticipate that this scheme will improve the utility of a classification as a basis for diagnosis, treatment, and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerby C Oberg
- Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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Bénazet JD, Zeller R. Vertebrate limb development: moving from classical morphogen gradients to an integrated 4-dimensional patterning system. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2010; 1:a001339. [PMID: 20066096 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a001339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A wealth of classical embryological manipulation experiments taking mainly advantage of the chicken limb buds identified the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) as the respective ectodermal and mesenchymal key signaling centers coordinating proximodistal (PD) and anteroposterior (AP) limb axis development. These experiments inspired Wolpert's French flag model, which is a classic among morphogen gradient models. Subsequent molecular and genetic analysis in the mouse identified retinoic acid as proximal signal, and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and sonic hedgehog (SHH) as the essential instructive signals produced by AER and ZPA, respectively. Recent studies provide good evidence that progenitors are specified early with respect to their PD and AP fates and that morpho-regulatory signaling is also required for subsequent proliferative expansion of the specified progenitor pools. The determination of particular fates seems to occur rather late and depends on additional signals such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which indicates that cells integrate signaling inputs over time and space. The coordinate regulation of PD and AP axis patterning is controlled by an epithelial-mesenchymal feedback signaling system, in which transcriptional regulation of the BMP antagonist Gremlin1 integrates inputs from the BMP, SHH, and FGF pathways. Vertebrate limb-bud development is controlled by a 4-dimensional (4D) patterning system integrating positive and negative regulatory feedback loops, rather than thresholds set by morphogen gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Denis Bénazet
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
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42
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Shh pathway activation is present and required within the vertebrate limb bud apical ectodermal ridge for normal autopod patterning. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:5489-94. [PMID: 20212115 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0912818107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in the posterior mesenchyme of the developing limb bud regulates patterning and growth of the developing limb by activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Through the analysis of Shh and Hh signaling target genes, it has been shown that activation in the limb bud mesoderm is required for normal limb development to occur. In contrast, it has been stated that Hh signaling in the limb bud ectoderm cannot occur because components of the Hh signaling pathway and Hh target genes have not been found in this tissue. However, recent array-based data identified both the components necessary to activate the Hh signaling pathway and targets of this pathway in the limb bud ectoderm. Using immunohistochemistry and various methods of detection for targets of Hh signaling, we found that SHH protein and targets of Hh signaling are present in the limb bud ectoderm including the apex of the bud. To directly test whether ectodermal Hh signaling was required for normal limb patterning, we removed Smo, an essential component of the Hh signaling pathway, from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). Loss of functional Hh signaling in the AER resulted in disruption of the normal digit pattern and formation of additional postaxial cartilaginous condensations. These data indicate that contrary to previous accounts, the Hh signaling pathway is present and required in the developing limb AER for normal autopod development.
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PCP effector gene Inturned is an important regulator of cilia formation and embryonic development in mammals. Dev Biol 2010; 339:418-28. [PMID: 20067783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 01/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The PCP effector gene Inturned regulates planar cell polarity (PCP) and wing hair formation in Drosophila wings. In order to understand the roles for Inturned in mammalian embryonic development, we generated a null mutant allele for the mouse homologue of Inturned (Intu) via gene-targeting in ES cells. Mouse Intu null mutants are homozygous lethal at midgestation, exhibiting multiple defects including neural tube closure defects, abnormal dorsal/ventral patterning of the central nervous system and abnormal anterior-posterior patterning of the limbs resulting in severe polydactyly (7-9 digits each limb). The developmental processes affected by the Intu mutation are under the control of Hh signaling through Gli-family transcription factors. We found that in Intu mutant embryos the expression of Gli1 and Ptch1, two direct transcriptional targets of Hh signaling, is down-regulated, and the proteolytic processing of Gli3 is compromised. We further demonstrate that Intu plays significant roles in the formation of primary cilia both during embryonic development and in cultured fibroblasts. Finally, a cytoplasmic GFP-Intu fusion protein efficiently rescues the ciliogenic defects in Intu mutant cells. In conclusion, we show that PCP effector gene Intu is an important regulator of cilia formation, Hh signal transduction, and embryonic development in mammals.
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McCulloch DR, Nelson CM, Dixon LJ, Silver DL, Wylie JD, Lindner V, Sasaki T, Cooley MA, Argraves WS, Apte SS. ADAMTS metalloproteases generate active versican fragments that regulate interdigital web regression. Dev Cell 2009; 17:687-98. [PMID: 19922873 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2008] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We show that combinatorial mouse alleles for the secreted metalloproteases Adamts5, Adamts20 (bt), and Adamts9 result in fully penetrant soft-tissue syndactyly. Interdigital webs in Adamts5(-/-);bt/bt mice had reduced apoptosis and decreased cleavage of the proteoglycan versican; however, the BMP-FGF axis, which regulates interdigital apoptosis was unaffected. BMP4 induced apoptosis, but without concomitant versican proteolysis. Haploinsufficiency of either Vcan or Fbln1, a cofactor for versican processing by ADAMTS5, led to highly penetrant syndactyly in bt mice, suggesting that cleaved versican was essential for web regression. The local application of an aminoterminal versican fragment corresponding to ADAMTS-processed versican, induced cell death in Adamts5(-/-);bt/bt webs. Thus, ADAMTS proteases cooperatively maintain versican proteolysis above a required threshold to create a permissive environment for apoptosis. The data highlight the developmental significance of proteolytic action on the ECM, not only as a clearance mechanism, but also as a means to generate bioactive versican fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R McCulloch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, ND20-Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Talamillo A, Delgado I, Nakamura T, de-Vega S, Yoshitomi Y, Unda F, Birchmeier W, Yamada Y, Ros MA. Role of Epiprofin, a zinc-finger transcription factor, in limb development. Dev Biol 2009; 337:363-74. [PMID: 19913006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The formation and maintenance of the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is critical for the outgrowth and patterning of the vertebrate limb. In the present work, we have investigated the role of Epiprofin (Epfn/Sp6), a member of the SP/KLF transcription factor family that is expressed in the limb ectoderm and the AER, during limb development. Epfn mutant mice have a defective autopod that shows mesoaxial syndactyly in the forelimb and synostosis (bony fusion) in the hindlimb and partial bidorsal digital tips. Epfn mutants also show a defect in the maturation of the AER that appears flat and broad, with a double ridge phenotype. By genetic analysis, we also show that Epfn is controlled by WNT/b-CATENIN signaling in the limb ectoderm. Since the less severe phenotypes of the conditional removal of b-catenin in the limb ectoderm strongly resemble the limb phenotype of Epfn mutants, we propose that EPFN very likely functions as a modulator of WNT signaling in the limb ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Talamillo
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
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Hernández-Martínez R, Castro-Obregón S, Covarrubias L. Progressive interdigital cell death: regulation by the antagonistic interaction between fibroblast growth factor 8 and retinoic acid. Development 2009; 136:3669-78. [PMID: 19820185 DOI: 10.1242/dev.041954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The complete cohort of molecules involved in interdigital cell death (ICD) and their interactions are yet to be defined. Bmp proteins, retinoic acid (RA) and Fgf8 have been previously identified as relevant factors in the control of ICD. Here we determined that downregulation of Fgf8 expression in the ectoderm overlying the interdigital areas is the event that triggers ICD, whereas RA is the persistent cell death-inducing molecule that acts on the distal mesenchyme by a mechanism involving the induction of Bax expression. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk) pathway prevents the survival effect of Fgf8 on interdigital cells and the accompanying Erk1/2 phosphorylation and induction of Mkp3 expression. Fgf8 regulates the levels of RA by both decreasing the expression of Raldh2 and increasing the expression of Cyp26b1, whereas RA reduces Fgfr1 expression and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. In the mouse limb, inhibition of Bmp signaling in the mesenchyme does not affect ICD. However, noggin in the distal ectoderm induces Fgf8 expression and reduces interdigit regression. In the chick limb, exogenous noggin reduces ICD, but, when applied to the distal mesenchyme, this reduction is associated with an increase in Fgf8 expression. In agreement with the critical decline in Fgf8 expression for the activation of ICD, distal interdigital cells acquire a proximal position as interdigit regression occurs. We identified proliferating distal mesenchymal cells as those that give rise to the interdigital cells fated to die. Thus, ICD is determined by the antagonistic regulation of cell death by Fgf8 and RA and occurs through a progressive, rather than massive, cell death mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Hernández-Martínez
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
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Aberrant FGF signaling, independent of ectopic hedgehog signaling, initiates preaxial polydactyly in Dorking chickens. Dev Biol 2009; 334:133-41. [PMID: 19616534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The formation of supernumerary digits, or polydactyly, is a common congenital malformation. Although mutations in a number of genes have been linked to polydactyly, the molecular etiology for a third of human disorders with polydactyly remains unknown. To increase our understanding of the potential causes for polydactyly, we characterized a spontaneous chicken mutant, known as Dorking. The hindlimbs of Dorkings form a preaxial supernumerary digit. During the early stages of limb development, ectopic expression of several genes, including Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 (Fgf4), was found in Dorking hindlimbs. In addition to ectopic gene expression, a decrease in cell death in the anterior of the developing Dorking hindlimb was observed. Further molecular investigation revealed that ectopic Fgf4 expression was initiated and maintained independent of ectopic Shh. Additionally, inhibition of Fgf signaling but not hedgehog signaling was capable of restoring the normal anterior domain of cell death in Dorking hindlimbs. Our data indicates that in Dorking chickens, preaxial polydactyly is initiated independent of Shh.
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Kosaka N, Sakamoto H, Terada M, Ochiya T. Pleiotropic function of FGF-4: its role in development and stem cells. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:265-76. [PMID: 18792115 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) were initially recognized as fibroblast-specific growth factor, and it is now apparent that these growth factors regulate multiple biological functions. The diversity of FGFs function is paralleled by the emerging diversity of interactions between FGF ligands and their receptors. FGF-4 is a member of the FGF superfamily and is a mitogen exhibiting strong action on numerous different cell types. It plays a role in various stages of development and morphogenesis, as well as in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies reveal the molecular mechanisms of FGF-4 gene regulation in mammalian cells, which is involved in the developmental process. Furthermore, FGF-4 also acts on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation in embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells. In this review, we focus on the diverse biological functions of FGF-4 in the developmental process and also discuss its putative roles in stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyoshi Kosaka
- Section for Studies on Metastasis, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Yamauchi H, Miyakawa N, Miyake A, Itoh N. Fgf4 is required for left-right patterning of visceral organs in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2009; 332:177-85. [PMID: 19481538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.05.568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fgf signaling plays essential roles in many developmental events. To investigate the roles of Fgf4 signaling in zebrafish development, we generated Fgf4 knockdown embryos by injection with Fgf4 antisense morpholino oligonucleotides. Randomized LR patterning of visceral organs including the liver, pancreas, and heart was observed in the knockdown embryos. Prominent expression of Fgf4 was observed in the posterior notochord and Kupffer's vesicle region in the early stages of segmentation. Lefty1, lefty2, southpaw, and pitx2 are known to play crucial roles in LR patterning of visceral organs. Fgf4 was essential for the expression of lefty1, which is necessary for the asymmetric expression of southpaw and pitx2 in the lateral plate mesoderm, in the posterior notochord, and the expression of lefty2 and lefty1 in the left cardiac field. Fgf8 is also known to be crucial for the formation of Kupffer's vesicle, which is needed for the LR patterning of visceral organs. In contrast, Fgf4 was required for the formation of cilia in Kupffer's vesicle, indicating that the role of Fgf4 in the LR patterning is quite distinct from that of Fgf8. The present findings indicate that Fgf4 plays a unique role in the LR patterning of visceral organs in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yamauchi
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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50
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Zhang Z, Verheyden JM, Hassell JA, Sun X. FGF-regulated Etv genes are essential for repressing Shh expression in mouse limb buds. Dev Cell 2009; 16:607-13. [PMID: 19386269 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2009.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2008] [Revised: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anterior-posterior (A-P) patterning of the vertebrate limb is controlled by sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, and the precise restriction of Shh expression to the posterior limb bud is essential for its polarizing effect. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, a key control of proximal-distal (P-D) limb outgrowth, is known to promote Shh expression in the posterior limb bud. Here, we show that conditional knockout of the FGF-activated transcription factor genes Etv4 and Etv5 in mouse led to ectopic Shh expression in the anterior limb bud and a preaxial polydactyly (PPD) skeletal phenotype. These unexpected results suggest that ETV4 and ETV5 act downstream of FGF signaling to inhibit Shh expression in the anterior limb bud. This finding elucidates a novel aspect of the mechanism coordinating limb development along the A-P and P-D axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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