Distribution of polarizing activity and potential for limb formation in mouse and chick embryos and possible relationships to polydactyly

Cux2 refines the forelimb field by controlling expression of Raldh2 and Hox genes

In vertebrates, two pairs of buds that give rise to the fore- and hindlimbs form at discrete positions along the rostral-caudal axis of the body. The mechanism responsible for the positioning of the limb buds is still largely unknown. Here we show a novel function for Cut homeobox transcription factor 2 (Cux2), the ortholog of Drosophila cut, in refining the forelimb field during chick development. Cux2 is expressed in the forelimb field before the emergence of the limb buds. Knocking down the expression of Cux2 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in a caudal shift of the forelimb bud, whereas misexpression of Cux2 or the constitutively active Cux2-VP16 caused a rostral shift of the forelimb bud or reduction of the forelimb field along the anterior-posterior axis. Further functional analyses revealed that expression of Hoxb genes and retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2), which are involved in limb positioning, are directly activated by Cux2 in the lateral plate mesoderm. Our data suggest that Cux2 in the lateral plate mesoderm refines the forelimb field via regulation of Raldh2 and Hoxb genes in chicken embryos.

Summary: Cux2 in the lateral plate mesoderm refines the forelimb field via regulation of Raldh2 and Hoxb genes in chicken embryos.

Developmental origin of the clavicle, and its implications for the evolution of the neck and the paired appendages in vertebrates

In fish, the pectoral appendage is adjacent to the head, but during vertebrate evolution a long neck region emerged via caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage. The pectoral appendage is comprised of endochondral portions, such as the humerus and the scapula, and a dermal portion, such as the clavicle, that contributes to the shoulder girdle. In the search for clues to the mechanism of the caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage, the cell lineage of the rostral lateral plate mesoderm was analyzed in chickens. It was found that, despite the long neck region in chickens, the origin of the clavicle attached to the head mesoderm ranged between 1 and 14 somite levels. Because the pectoral limb bud and the endochondral pectoral appendage developed on 15-20 and 15-24 somite levels, respectively, the clavicle-forming region corresponds to the embryonic neck, which suggests that the relocation would have been executed by the expansion of the source of the clavicle. The rostral portion of the clavicle-forming region overlaps the source of the cucullaris muscle, embraces the pharyngeal arches caudally, and can be experimentally replaced with the head mesoderm to form the cucullaris muscle, which implies that the mesodermal portion could have been the head mesoderm and that the clavicle would have developed at the head/trunk boundary. The link between the head mesoderm and the presumptive clavicle appears to have been the developmental constraint needed to create the evolutionarily conserved musculoskeletal connectivities characterizing the gnathostome neck. In this sense, the dermal girdle of the ganathostomes would represent the wall of the branchial chamber into which the endochondral pectoral appendage appears to have attached since its appearance in evolution.

Spatiotemporal distribution of proliferation, proapoptotic and antiapoptotic factors in the early human limb development

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.

The identification of loci for polydactyly in chickens using a genome-wide association study

Polydactyly is a commonly observed limb malformation in humans and other vertebrates. The Beijing-You chicken expressing the polydactyly phenotype provides an opportunity to investigate the potential cause for polydactyly. Here we extensively exploited genetic determinants of the chicken polydactyly in a genome wide association study using over 580,000 SNPs characterized in a Beijing-You × Lohmann F1 cross, consisting of 79 animals. A total of 10 loci clustered on the short arm of chromosome 2 were identified to be significantly associated with the trait. Among the 10 significant SNPs, 7 were located in a linkage disequilibrium block of 1737kb. The strongest association signal (rs317674023, P=5.48×10(-8)) residing nearby Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor-Associated Molecule 1 (BRAM1) was identified in the genomic region. Our results provide insights to the genetic basis underlying chicken polydactyly and may facilitate studies of the limb malformation in humans and other species.

How the embryo makes a limb: determination, polarity and identity

The vertebrate limb with its complex anatomy develops from a small bud of undifferentiated mesoderm cells encased in ectoderm. The bud has its own intrinsic polarity and can develop autonomously into a limb without reference to the rest of the embryo. In this review, recent advances are integrated with classical embryology, carried out mainly in chick embryos, to present an overview of how the embryo makes a limb bud. We will focus on how mesoderm cells in precise locations in the embryo become determined to form a limb and express the key transcription factors Tbx4 (leg/hindlimb) or Tbx5 (wing/forelimb). These Tbx transcription factors have equivalent functions in the control of bud formation by initiating a signalling cascade involving Wnts and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and by regulating recruitment of mesenchymal cells from the coelomic epithelium into the bud. The mesoderm that will form limb buds and the polarity of the buds is determined with respect to both antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axes of the body. The position in which a bud develops along the antero-posterior axis of the body will also determine its identity - wing/forelimb or leg/hindlimb. Hox gene activity, under the influence of retinoic acid signalling, is directly linked with the initiation of Tbx5 gene expression in the region along the antero-posterior axis of the body that will form wings/forelimbs and determines antero-posterior polarity of the buds. In contrast, Tbx4 expression in the regions that will form legs/hindlimbs is regulated by the homeoprotein Pitx1 and there is no evidence that Hox genes determine antero-posterior polarity of the buds. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling determines the region along the dorso-ventral axis of the body in which both wings/forelimbs and legs/hindlimbs develop and dorso-ventral polarity of the buds. The polarity of the buds leads to the establishment of signalling regions - the dorsal and ventral ectoderm, producing Wnts and BMPs, respectively, the apical ectodermal ridge producing fibroblast growth factors and the polarizing region, Sonic hedgehog (Shh). These signals are the same in both wings/forelimbs and legs/hindlimbs and control growth and pattern formation by providing the mesoderm cells of the limb bud as it develops with positional information. The precise anatomy of the limb depends on the mesoderm cells in the developing bud interpreting positional information according to their identity - determined by Pitx1 in hindlimbs - and genotype. The competence to form a limb extends along the entire antero-posterior axis of the trunk - with Hox gene activity inhibiting the formation of forelimbs in the interlimb region - and also along the dorso-ventral axis.

Molecular development of chondrichthyan claspers and the evolution of copulatory organs

The earliest known vertebrate copulatory organs are claspers, paired penis-like structures that are associated with evolution of internal fertilization and viviparity in Devonian placoderms. Today, only male chondrichthyans possess claspers, which extend from posterior pelvic fins and function as intromittent organs. Here we report that clasper development from pelvic fins of male skates is controlled by hormonal regulation of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. We show that Shh signalling is necessary for male clasper development and is sufficient to induce clasper cartilages in females. Androgen receptor (AR) controls the male-specific pattern of Shh in pelvic fins by regulation of Hand2. We identify an androgen response element (ARE) in the Hand2 locus and present biochemical evidence that AR can directly bind the Hand2 ARE. Together, our results suggest that the genetic circuit for appendage development evolved an androgen regulatory input, which prolonged signalling activity and drove clasper skeletogenesis in male fins.

Claspers are copulatory organs found in male cartilaginous fishes. Here, the authors show that androgen receptor signalling maintains the Shh pathway to promote clasper development in male skates and suggest the importance of hormonal regulation in the evolution of male copulatory organs.

HAND2 targets define a network of transcriptional regulators that compartmentalize the early limb bud mesenchyme

The genetic networks that govern vertebrate development are well studied, but how the interactions of trans-acting factors with cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) are integrated into spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression is not clear. The transcriptional regulator HAND2 is required during limb, heart, and branchial arch development. Here, we identify the genomic regions enriched in HAND2 chromatin complexes from mouse embryos and limb buds. Then we analyze the HAND2 target CRMs in the genomic landscapes encoding transcriptional regulators required in early limb buds. HAND2 controls the expression of genes functioning in the proximal limb bud and orchestrates the establishment of anterior and posterior polarity of the nascent limb bud mesenchyme by impacting Gli3 and Tbx3 expression. TBX3 is required downstream of HAND2 to refine the posterior Gli3 expression boundary. Our analysis uncovers the transcriptional circuits that function in establishing distinct mesenchymal compartments downstream of HAND2 and upstream of SHH signaling.

Direct functional consequences of ZRS enhancer mutation combine with secondary long range SHH signalling effects to cause preaxial polydactyly

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) plays a central role in patterning numerous embryonic tissues including, classically, the developing limb bud where it controls digit number and identity. This study utilises the polydactylous Silkie (Slk) chicken breed, which carries a mutation in the long range limb-specific regulatory element of SHH, the ZRS. Using allele specific SHH expression analysis combined with quantitative protein analysis, we measure allele specific changes in SHH mRNA and concentration of SHH protein over time. This confirms that the Slk ZRS enhancer mutation causes increased SHH expression in the posterior leg mesenchyme. Secondary consequences of this increased SHH signalling include increased FGF pathway signalling and growth as predicted by the SHH/GREM1/FGF feedback loop and the Growth/Morphogen models. Manipulation of Hedgehog, FGF signalling and growth demonstrate that anterior-ectopic expression of SHH and induction of preaxial polydactyly is induced secondary to increased SHH signalling and Hedgehog-dependent growth directed from the posterior limb. We predict that increased long range SHH signalling acts in combination with changes in activation of SHH transcription from the Slk ZRS allele. Through analysis of the temporal dynamics of anterior SHH induction we predict a gene regulatory network which may contribute to activation of anterior SHH expression from the Slk ZRS.

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Overexpression of posterior SHH in the limb bud can cause preaxial polydactyly.

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Increased activation of SHH/GREM/FGF feedback and growth induces Slk preaxial polydactyly.

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Autoregulated expression of SHH can occur within 1.5–2 h in the limb bud.

Constitutive activation of ectodermal β-catenin induces ectopic outgrowths at various positions in mouse embryo and affects abdominal ventral body wall closure

Vertebrate limbs originate from the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) and the overlying ectoderm. While normal limb formation in defined regions has been well studied, the question of whether other positions retain limb-forming potential has not been fully investigated in mice. By ectopically activating β-catenin in the ectoderm with Msx2-cre, we observed that local tissue outgrowths were induced, which either progressed into limb-like structure within the inter-limb flank or formed extra tissues in other parts of the mouse embryo. In the presumptive abdominal region of severely affected embryos, ectopic limb formation was coupled with impaired abdominal ventral body wall (AVBW) closure, which indicates the existence of a potential counterbalance of limb formation and AVBW closure. At the molecular level, constitutive β-catenin activation was sufficient to trigger, but insufficient to maintain the ectopic expression of a putative limb-inducing factor, Fgf8, in the ectoderm. These findings provide new insight into the mechanism of limb formation and AVBW closure, and the crosstalk between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Fgf signal.

Molecular and evolutionary basis of limb field specification and limb initiation

Specification of limb field and initiation of limb development involve multiple steps, each of which is tightly regulated both spatially and temporally. Recent developmental analyses on various vertebrates have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that specify limb field and have revealed several genetic interactions of signals involved in limb initiation processes. Furthermore, new approaches to the study of the developmental mechanisms of the lateral plate mesoderm of amphioxus and lamprey embryos have given us clues to understand the evolutionary scenarios that led to the acquisition of paired appendages during evolution. This review highlights such recent findings and discusses the mechanisms of limb field specification and limb bud initiation during development and evolution.

Craniofacial divergence and ongoing adaptation via the hedgehog pathway

Adaptive variation in craniofacial structure contributes to resource specialization and speciation, but the genetic loci that underlie craniofacial adaptation remain unknown. Here we show that alleles of the hedgehog pathway receptor Patched1 (Ptch1) gene are responsible for adaptive variation in the shape of the lower jaw both within and among genera of Lake Malawi cichlid fish. The evolutionarily derived allele of Ptch1 reduces the length of the retroarticular (RA) process of the lower jaw, a change predicted to increase speed of jaw rotation for improved suction-feeding. The alternate allele is associated with a longer RA and a more robustly mineralized jaw, typical of species that use a biting mode of feeding. Genera with the most divergent feeding morphologies are nearly fixed for different Ptch1 alleles, whereas species with intermediate morphologies still segregate variation at Ptch1. Thus, the same alleles that help to define macroevolutionary divergence among genera also contribute to microevolutionary fine-tuning of adaptive traits within some species. Variability of craniofacial morphology mediated by Ptch1 polymorphism has likely contributed to niche partitioning and ecological speciation of these fishes.

The chicken polydactyly (Po) locus causes allelic imbalance and ectopic expression of Shh during limb development

Point mutations in the intronic ZRS region of Lmbr1, a limb specific cis-regulatory element of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), are associated with polydactyly in humans, cats, and mice. We and others have recently mapped the dominant preaxial polydactyly (Po) locus in Silkie chickens to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ZRS region. Using polymorphisms in the chicken Shh sequence, we confirm that the ZRS region directly regulates Shh expression in the developing limb causing ectopic Shh expression in the anterior leg, prolonged Shh expression in the posterior limb, and allelic imbalance between wt and Slk Shh alleles in heterozygote limbs. Using Silkie legs, we have explored the consequences of increased Shh expression in the posterior leg on the patterning of the toes, and the induction of preaxial polydactyly.

Allometric growth of the trunk leads to the rostral shift of the pelvic fin in teleost fishes

The pelvic fin position among teleost fishes has shifted rostrally during evolution, resulting in diversification of both behavior and habitat. We explored the developmental basis for the rostral shift in pelvic fin position in teleost fishes using zebrafish (abdominal pelvic fins) and Nile tilapia (thoracic pelvic fins). Cell fate mapping experiments revealed that changes in the distribution of lateral plate mesodermal cells accompany the trunk-tail protrusion. Presumptive pelvic fin cells are originally located at the body wall adjacent to the anterior limit of hoxc10a expression in the spinal cord, and their position shifts rostrally as the trunk grows. We then showed that the differences in pelvic fin position between zebrafish and Nile tilapia were not due to changes in expression or function of gdf11. We also found that hox-independent motoneurons located above the pelvic fins innervate into the pelvic musculature. Our results suggest that there is a common mechanism among teleosts and tetrapods that controls paired appendage positioning via gdf11, but in teleost fishes the position of prospective pelvic fin cells on the yolk surface shifts as the trunk grows. In addition, teleost motoneurons, which lack lateral motor columns, innervate the pelvic fins in a manner independent of the rostral-caudal patterns of hox expression in the spinal cord.

Aberrant FGF signaling, independent of ectopic hedgehog signaling, initiates preaxial polydactyly in Dorking chickens

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.

Modification of the zone of polarizing activity signal by trypsin

Patterning of the developing vertebrate limb along the anterior-posterior axis is controlled by the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) via the expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and along the proximal-distal axis by the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) through the production of fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). ZPA grafting, as well as ectopic application of SHH to the anterior chick limb bud, demonstrate that digit patterning is largely influenced by these secreted factors. Although signal transduction pathways have been well characterized for SHH and for FGFs, little is known of how these signals are regulated extracellularly in the limb. The present study shows that alteration of the extracellular environment through trypsin treatment can have profound effects on digit patterning. These effects appear to be mediated by the induction of Shh in host tissues and by ectopic AER formation, implicating the extracellular matrix in regulating the signaling activities of key patterning genes in the limb.

Distance between AER and ZPA is defined by feed-forward loop and is stabilized by their feedback loop in vertebrate limb bud

In the development of organs, multiple morphogen sources are often involved, and interact with each other. For example, the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) and the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) are major morphogen sources in the limb bud formation of vertebrates. Fgf expression in the AER and Shh expression in the ZPA are maintained by their positive feedback regulation mediated by diffusible molecules, FGF and SHH. A recent experimental observation suggests that the FGF-signal regulates the Shh expression in a feed-forward manner with activation and repression regulatory pathways. We study the coupled dynamics of Shh expression in the ZPA and Fgf expression in the AER, and the relationship of the relative position between AER and ZPA. We first show that with the feed-forward regulation only, the peak of ZPA activity can be formed distant from the AER as observed experimentally. Then, we clarify that the robustness of the ZPA spatial pattern to changes in system parameters is enhanced by adding the feedback regulation between the AER and the ZPA. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that there exists the optimal feedback strength where the robustness is the most improved.

Manipulations of PKA in chick limb development reveal roles in digit patterning including a positive role in Sonic Hedgehog signaling

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling by the polarizing region, at the posterior of the vertebrate limb bud, is pivotal in determining digit number and identity. Shh establishes a gradient of the bifunctional transcriptional effector, Gli3, with high levels of full-length activator (Gli3A) in the posterior bud, where digits form, and high levels of shorter repressor (Gli3R) in the anterior. Repressor formation depends on protein kinase A (PKA), but in Drosophila, PKA also plays a role in activator function. Increasing PKA levels in chick limb development using Forskolin had no effect on posterior polarizing activity but weak polarizing activity, based on ligand-independent Shh signaling, was induced in anterior limb bud cells resulting in extra digits. Manipulating PKA activity levels directly with a retrovirus expressing activated PKA induced extra digits similar to those induced by Forskolin treatment suggesting that PKA may have a previously unrecognized positive role in Shh signaling in vertebrate limbs. Expressing dominant negative PKA also induced extra, sometimes multiple digits, from anterior limb bud demonstrating the negative role in Shh signaling. PKA levels in the limb bud are high posteriorly and low anteriorly, suggesting that PKA activity may influence the outcome of Shh signaling in normal development.

Rescue of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (Por) mouse mutants reveals functions in vasculogenesis, brain and limb patterning linked to retinoic acid homeostasis

Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) acts as an electron donor for all cytochrome P450 enzymes. Knockout mouse Por(-/-) mutants, which are early embryonic (E9.5) lethal, have been found to have overall elevated retinoic acid (RA) levels, leading to the idea that POR early developmental function is mainly linked to the activity of the CYP26 RA-metabolizing enzymes (Otto et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 23, 6103-6116). By crossing Por mutants with a RA-reporter lacZ transgene, we show that Por(-/-) embryos exhibit both elevated and ectopic RA signaling activity e.g. in cephalic and caudal tissues. Two strategies were used to functionally demonstrate that decreasing retinoid levels can reverse Por(-/-) phenotypic defects, (i) by culturing Por(-/-) embryos in defined serum-free medium, and (ii) by generating compound mutants defective in RA synthesis due to haploinsufficiency of the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (Raldh2) gene. Both approaches clearly improved the Por(-/-) early phenotype, the latter allowing mutants to be recovered up until E13.5. Abnormal brain patterning, with posteriorization of hindbrain cell fates and defective mid- and forebrain development and vascular defects were rescued in E9.5 Por(-/-) embryos. E13.5 Por(-/-); Raldh2(+/-) embryos exhibited abdominal/caudal and limb defects that strikingly phenocopy those of Cyp26a1(-/-) and Cyp26b1(-/-) mutants, respectively. Por(-/-); Raldh2(+/-) limb buds were truncated and proximalized and the anterior-posterior patterning system was not established. Thus, POR function is indispensable for the proper regulation of RA levels and tissue distribution not only during early embryonic development but also in later morphogenesis and molecular patterning of the brain, abdominal/caudal region and limbs.

Developmental genetic basis for the evolution of pelvic fin loss in the pufferfish Takifugu rubripes

Paired appendages were a key developmental innovation among vertebrates and they eventually evolved into limbs. Ancient developmental control systems for paired fins and limbs are broadly conserved among gnathostome vertebrates. Some lineages including whales, some salamanders, snakes, and many ray-fin fish, independently lost the pectoral, pelvic, or both appendages over evolutionary time. When different taxa independently evolve similar developmental morphologies, do they use the same molecular genetic mechanisms? To determine the developmental genetic basis for the evolution of pelvis loss in the pufferfish Takifugu rubripes (fugu), we isolated fugu orthologs of genes thought to be essential for limb development in tetrapods, including limb positioning (Hoxc6, Hoxd9), limb bud initiation (Pitx1, Tbx4, Tbx5), and limb bud outgrowth (Shh, Fgf10), and studied their expression patterns during fugu development. Results showed that bud outgrowth and initiation fail to occur in fugu, and that pelvis loss is associated with altered expression of Hoxd9a, which we show to be a marker for pelvic fin position in three-spine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. These results rule out changes in appendage outgrowth and initiation genes as the earliest developmental defect in pufferfish pelvic fin loss and suggest that altered Hoxd9a expression in the lateral mesoderm may account for pelvis loss in fugu. This mechanism appears to be different from the mechanism for pelvic loss in stickleback, showing that different taxa can evolve similar phenotypes by different mechanisms.

Studies on epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in vertebrate limb patterning

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates multiple patterning events in Drosophila limb development, but its role in vertebrate limb morphogenesis has received little attention. The EGFR and several of its ligands are expressed in developing vertebrate limbs in manners consistent with potential patterning roles. To gain insight into functions of EGFR signaling in vertebrate limb development, we expressed a constitutively active EGFR in developing chick limbs in ovo. Expression of activated EGFR causes pre- and postaxial polydactyly, including mirror-image-type digit duplication, likely due to induction of ectopic expression and/or modulation of genes involved in anterior-posterior (AP) patterning such as Sonic hedgehog (Shh), dHand, Patched (Ptc), Gli3, Hoxd13, Hoxd11, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2), Gremlin, and FGF4. Activation of EGFR signaling dorsalizes the limb and alters expression of the dorsal-ventral (DV) patterning genes Wnt7a, Lmx, and En1. Ectopic and/or extended FGF8 expressing apical ectodermal ridges (AERs) are also seen. Interdigital regression is inhibited and the digits fail to separate, leading to syndactyly, likely due to antiapoptotic and pro-proliferative effects of activated EGFR signaling on limb mesoderm, and/or attenuation of interdigital Bmp4 expression. These findings suggest potential roles for EGFR signaling in AP and DV patterning, AER formation, and cell survival during limb morphogenesis.

Tbx18 and boundary formation in chick somite and wing development

The chicken Tbx gene, Tbx18, is expressed in lateral plate mesoderm, limb, and developing somites. Here we show that Tbx18 is expressed transiently in axial mesenchyme during somite segmentation. We present evidence from overexpression and transplantation experiments that Tbx18 controls fissure formation in the late stages of somite maturation. In presumptive wing lateral plate mesoderm, ectopic Tbx18 expression leads to anterior extension of the wing bud. These results suggest that Tbx18 is involved in producing mesodermal boundaries, generating in paraxial mesoderm morphological boundaries between somites and in lateral plate mesoderm a wing- or non-wing-forming boundary.

Developmental roles and clinical significance of hedgehog signaling

Cell signaling plays a key role in the development of all multicellular organisms. Numerous studies have established the importance of Hedgehog signaling in a wide variety of regulatory functions during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Several reviews have discussed the signaling components in this pathway, their various interactions, and some of the general principles that govern Hedgehog signaling mechanisms. This review focuses on the developing systems themselves, providing a comprehensive survey of the role of Hedgehog signaling in each of these. We also discuss the increasing significance of Hedgehog signaling in the clinical setting.

Twist plays an essential role in FGF and SHH signal transduction during mouse limb development

Loss of Twist gene function arrests the growth of the limb bud shortly after its formation. In the Twist(-/-) forelimb bud, Fgf10 expression is reduced, Fgf4 is not expressed, and the domain of Fgf8 and Fgfr2 expression is altered. This is accompanied by disruption of the expression of genes (Shh, Gli1, Gli2, Gli3, and Ptch) associated with SHH signalling in the limb bud mesenchyme, the down-regulation of Bmp4 in the apical ectoderm, the absence of Alx3, Alx4, Pax1, and Pax3 activity in the mesenchyme, and a reduced potency of the limb bud tissues to differentiate into osteogenic and myogenic tissues. Development of the hindlimb buds in Twist(-/-) embryos is also retarded. The overall activity of genes involved in SHH signalling is reduced.Fgf4 and Fgf8 expression is lost or reduced in the apical ectoderm, but other genes (Fgf10, Fgfr2) involved with FGF signalling are expressed in normal patterns. Twist(+/-);Gli3(+/XtJ) mice display more severe polydactyly than that seen in either Twist(+/-) or Gli3(+/XtJ) mice, suggesting that there is genetic interaction between Twist and Gli3 activity. Twist activity is therefore essential for the growth and differentiation of the limb bud tissues as well as regulation of tissue patterning via the modulation of SHH and FGF signal transduction.

Fin development in a cartilaginous fish and the origin of vertebrate limbs

Recent fossil finds and experimental analysis of chick and mouse embryos highlighted the lateral fin fold theory, which suggests that two pairs of limbs in tetrapods evolved by subdivision of an elongated single fin. Here we examine fin development in embryos of the primitive cartilaginous fish, Scyliorhinus canicula (dogfish) using scanning electron microscopy and investigate expression of genes known to be involved in limb positioning, identity and patterning in higher vertebrates. Although we did not detect lateral fin folds in dogfish embryos, Engrailed-1 expression suggests that the body is compartmentalized dorso-ventrally. Furthermore, specification of limb identity occurs through the Tbx4 and Tbx5 genes, as in higher vertebrates. In contrast, unlike higher vertebrates, we did not detect Shh transcripts in dogfish fin-buds, although dHand (a gene involved in establishing Shh) is expressed. In S. canicula, the main fin axis seems to lie parallel to the body axis. 'Freeing' fins from the body axis and establishing a separate 'limb' axis has been proposed to be a crucial step in evolution of tetrapod limbs. We suggest that Shh plays a critical role in this process.

Mutual genetic antagonism involving GLI3 and dHAND prepatterns the vertebrate limb bud mesenchyme prior to SHH signaling

The bHLH transcription factor dHAND is required for establishment of SHH signaling by the limb bud organizer in posterior mesenchyme, a step crucial to development of vertebrate paired appendages. We show that the transcriptional repressor GLI3 restricts dHAND expression to posterior mesenchyme prior to activation of SHH signaling in mouse limb buds. dHAND, in turn, excludes anterior genes such as Gli3 and Alx4 from posterior mesenchyme. Furthermore, genetic interaction of GLI3 and dHAND directs establishment of the SHH/FGF signaling feedback loop by restricting the BMP antagonist GREMLIN posteriorly. These interactions polarize the nascent limb bud mesenchyme prior to SHH signaling.

"Fingering" the vertebrate limb

A detailed and precise picture is being pieced together about how the pattern of digits develops in vertebrate limbs. What is particularly exciting is that it will soon be possible to trace the process all the way from establishment of a signalling centre in a small bud of undifferentiated cells right through to final limb anatomy. The development of the vertebrate limb is a traditional model in which to explore mechanisms involved in pattern formation, and there is accelerating knowledge about the genes involved. One reason why the limb is holding its place in the post-genomic age is that it is rich in pre-genomic embryology. Here, we will focus on recent findings about the aspect of vertebrate limb development concerned with digit pattern across the anteroposterior axis of the limb. This process is controlled by a signalling region in the early limb bud known as the polarizing region. Interactions between polarizing region cells and other cells in the limb bud ensure that a thumb develops at one edge of the hand (anterior) and a little finger at the other (posterior).

Manifestation of the limb prepattern: limb development in the absence of sonic hedgehog function

The secreted protein encoded by the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene is localized to the posterior margin of vertebrate limb buds and is thought to be a key signal in establishing anterior-posterior limb polarity. In the Shh(-/-) mutant mouse, the development of many embryonic structures, including the limb, is severely compromised. In this study, we report the analysis of Shh(-/-) mutant limbs in detail. Each mutant embryo has four limbs with recognizable humerus/femur bones that have anterior-posterior polarity. Distal to the elbow/knee joints, skeletal elements representing the zeugopod form but lack identifiable anterior-posterior polarity. Therefore, Shh specifically becomes necessary for normal limb development at or just distal to the stylopod/zeugopod junction (elbow/knee joints) during mouse limb development. The forelimb autopod is represented by a single distal cartilage element, while the hindlimb autopod is invariably composed of a single digit with well-formed interphalangeal joints and a dorsal nail bed at the terminal phalanx. Analysis of GDF5 and Hoxd11-13 expression in the hindlimb autopod suggests that the forming digit has a digit-one identity. This finding is corroborated by the formation of only two phalangeal elements which are unique to digit one on the foot. The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is induced in the Shh(-/-) mutant buds with relatively normal morphology. We report that the architecture of the Shh(-/-) AER is gradually disrupted over developmental time in parallel with a reduction of Fgf8 expression in the ridge. Concomitantly, abnormal cell death in the Shh(-/-) limb bud occurs in the anterior mesenchyme of both fore- and hindlimb. It is notable that the AER changes and mesodermal cell death occur earlier in the Shh(-/-) forelimb than the hindlimb bud. This provides an explanation for the hindlimb-specific competence to form autopodial structures in the mutant. Finally, unlike the wild-type mouse limb bud, the Shh(-/-) mutant posterior limb bud mesoderm does not cause digit duplications when grafted to the anterior border of chick limb buds, and therefore lacks polarizing activity. We propose that a prepattern exists in the limb field for the three axes of the emerging limb bud as well as specific limb skeletal elements. According to this model, the limb bud signaling centers, including the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) acting through Shh, are required to elaborate upon the axial information provided by the native limb field prepattern.

Vertebrate limb development--the early stages in chick and mouse

More news this year about FGFs and their roles in vertebrate limb initiation; Wnt signalling is shown for the first time to be another component of the signalling cascade involved in early limb formation. Ectodermal compartments that control apical ridge formation were previously described in chick embryos and are now shown to exist in mouse embryos; Engrailed1 is expressed in the ventral ectodermal compartment but experiments in both chick and mouse show that it is not responsible for compartment specification.

Differential response of Shh expression between chick forelimb and hindlimb buds by FGF-4

The interactions of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) play important roles in vertebrate limb pattern formation. In the posterior region of the chick limb bud, Shh and FGF-4 each maintain expression in a positive feedback loop. In the anterior region, Shh can also induce Fgf-4 expression in the anterior apical ectodermal ridge. However, the possibility of Shh induction by FGF protein is unclear. Because many experiments to analyze gene expression have been carried out by using the forelimb bud of the chick embryo, we investigated gene expression of the cells in the anterior region of the chick hindlimb bud after FGF-4 application and compared the results with those for the forelimb bud. When an FGF-4-containing bead was implanted into the anterior region of a stage 20 hindlimb bud, ectopic expression of Shh was induced in the mesenchyme beneath the anterior end of the apical ectodermal ridge at 36 hr after implantation. Subsequent to Shh activation, Hoxd13 was also observed in the anterior-distal region of the limb bud. Furthermore, FGF-4 implantation to the hindlimb bud caused additional digit formation accompanying respecification of positional value in the anterior tissue. Ectopic Shh was induced in cells located distal to the FGF-4 bead, and the cells of the flank region did not contribute to ectopic Shh induction. On the other hand, no ectopic Shh and Hoxd13 expression was detected by grafting an FGF-4 bead into the forelimb bud. Although FGF-4 implantation to the forelimb bud occasionally induced extra digit 2 formation, no embryos had an extra digit 3 or digit 4, and many specimens exhibited normal skeletal pattern. These results demonstrate the difference between the fore- and hindlimb buds in the cell competence of Shh induction in response to FGF-4, suggesting the possibility that the responsiveness of mesenchymal cells in signaling molecules is not the same in the fore- and hindlimb buds.

Evolutionary aspects of positioning and identification of vertebrate limbs

Emerging developmental studies contribute to our understanding of vertebrate evolution because changes in the developmental process and the genes responsible for such changes provide a unique way for evaluating the evolution of morphology. Endoskeletal limbs, the locomotor organs that are unique to vertebrates, are a popular model system in the fields of palaeontology and phylogeny because their structure is highly visible and their bony pattern is easily preserved in the fossil records. Similarly, limb development has long served as an excellent model system for studying vertebrate pattern formation. In this review, the evolution of vertebrate limb development is examined in the light of the latest knowledge, viewpoints and hypotheses.