Related Experiment Videos
Influence of FGF4 on digit morphogenesis during limb development in the mouse
1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118, USA.
Developmental Biology
|March 1, 2000
Summary
Mouse and chick embryos show different digit development. FGF4 induces digit branching in mice, unlike in chicks, highlighting evolutionary differences in limb development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Digit morphogenesis is crucial for limb development.
- Chick embryos are a common model for studying limb development.
- Understanding mouse digit development provides insights into mammalian evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate digit morphogenesis in mouse embryos using ex utero surgical procedures.
- To compare digit development responses between mouse and chick embryos.
- To elucidate the role of FGF4 in mouse digit development.
Main Methods:
- Ex utero surgical procedures on mouse embryos.
- Wounding and TGFbeta-1 application experiments.
- Cell marking studies to track cell reorganization.
- Gene expression analysis (Msx1, Igf2, HoxD cluster).
Main Results:
- Mouse embryos did not form ectopic digits when wounded or treated with TGFbeta-1, unlike chicks.
- FGF4 induced digit bifurcation in mice, a response not seen in chicks.
- FGF4-induced bifurcation resulted from prechondrogenic cell reorganization in digit IV.
- FGF4 affected expression of Msx1, Igf2, and HoxD genes.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in digit morphogenesis regulation between chick and mouse embryos.
- FGF4 is an endogenous signal vital for skeletal branching morphogenesis in mice.
- These findings support the view of recent vertebrate digit evolution and highlight species-specific developmental pathways.