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Digital development and morphogenesis
1Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Cantoblanco UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Anatomy
|February 18, 2003
Summary
Signalling interactions involving Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) are crucial for limb development. Digit formation shows plasticity, with anatomy fixed during morphogenesis, and joint/tip formation processes are discussed.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Limb development relies on signaling between the SHH-producing polarizing region and FGF-producing apical ectodermal ridge.
- The precise mechanisms translating cellular positional information into anatomical structures, particularly digit morphogenesis, remain unclear.
- Understanding digit formation, including anteroposterior patterning and growth cessation, is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on vertebrate digit development.
- To elucidate the molecular and cellular basis of digit morphogenesis.
- To discuss the processes of joint generation, segmentation, and digit tip formation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on digit development.
- Analysis of data from manipulations of morphogenetic signals, including SHH application.
- Discussion of established knowledge and emerging findings in the field.
Main Results:
- Digit primordia exhibit plasticity, with anatomy becoming irreversibly fixed during morphogenesis.
- Manipulation of signals like SHH influences digit formation.
- Key processes in joint formation, segmentation, and digit tip development are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Signaling pathways are critical for limb outgrowth and patterning.
- Digit development involves a period of plasticity followed by irreversible fixation of anatomy.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the molecular and cellular underpinnings of digit morphogenesis.