Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Placing Growth Factor-Coated Beads on Early Stage Chicken Embryos
Published on: October 1, 2007
Functions of FGF signalling from the apical ectodermal ridge in limb development
Xin Sun1, Francesca V Mariani, Gail R Martin
1Department of Anatomy and Program in Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, 94143-0452, USA.
Fibroblast growth factors (FGF4 and FGF8) from the apical ectodermal ridge are essential for limb development by regulating cell number and survival. Their absence leads to limb formation failure in mice.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is crucial for limb development.
- Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are signaling molecules implicated in embryonic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific roles of FGF4 and FGF8 signaling from the AER in mouse limb development.
- To understand how FGF signaling influences progenitor cell populations and skeletal element formation.
Main Methods:
- Inactivation of Fgf4 and Fgf8 genes in AER cells or their precursors during mouse limb development.
- Analysis of skeletal phenotypes in mutant mouse limbs.
- Modeling FGF-mediated effects on limb bud size and cell survival.
Main Results:
- FGF4 and FGF8 regulate cell proliferation and survival within the developing limb bud.
- These FGFs are vital for maintaining progenitor cells distant from the AER.
- Complete absence of FGF4 and FGF8 activity results in failed limb development.
Conclusions:
- FGF4 and FGF8 signaling from the AER is indispensable for ensuring adequate progenitor cell numbers for skeletal and other limb tissue formation.
- The study provides a model for FGF-mediated regulation of limb bud size and cell survival during development.
More Related Videos
11:48Grafting of Beads into Developing Chicken Embryo Limbs to Identify Signal Transduction Pathways Affecting Gene Expression
Published on: January 17, 2016
06:49Analysis of Cell Differentiation, Morphogenesis, and Patterning During Chicken Embryogenesis Using the Soaked-Bead Assay
Published on: January 12, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Cell Migration
Introduction to Fibroblasts
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...