Neural tube derived signals and Fgf8 act antagonistically to specify eye versus mandibular arch muscles
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Updated: Aug 3, 2026

Assessing Signaling Properties of Ectodermal Epithelia During Craniofacial Development
Published on: March 24, 2011
Gudrun von Scheven1, Lúcia E Alvares, Roy C Mootoosamy
1King's College London, Department of Craniofacial Development, Floor 27 Guy's Tower, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Abstract:
Recent knockout experiments in the mouse generated amazing craniofacial skeletal muscle phenotypes. Yet none of the genes could be placed into a molecular network, because the programme to control the development of muscles in the head is not known. Here we show that antagonistic signals from the neural tube and the branchial arches specify extraocular versus branchiomeric muscles. Moreover, we identified Fgf8 as the branchial arch derived signal. However, this molecule has an additional function in supporting the proliferative state of myoblasts, suppressing their differentiation, while a further branchial arch derived signal, namely Bmp7, is an overall negative regulator of head myogenesis.
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