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DNA fragmentation during the programmed cell death in the chick limb buds
S Toné1, S Tanaka, Y Minatogawa
1Department of Biochemistry, Wakayama Medical College, Japan.
Experimental Cell Research
|November 1, 1994
Summary
This study provides biochemical evidence that embryonic cell death during amniote limb development shares features with apoptosis. DNA fragmentation in chick leg buds indicates programmed cell death is a form of apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Programmed cell death is essential for amniote limb morphogenesis.
- Biochemical evidence linking embryonic cell death to apoptosis was previously lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether embryonic cell death during limb development exhibits characteristics of apoptosis.
- To provide biochemical evidence for apoptosis in embryonic limb development.
Main Methods:
- DNA was extracted from chick leg bud interdigital tissues.
- Oligo-nucleosomal DNA ladder patterns were analyzed.
- In situ end labeling was used to detect DNA fragmentation in cells.
Main Results:
- An oligo-nucleosomal DNA ladder pattern was observed, indicative of apoptosis.
- Cells with DNA fragmentation were identified within the interdigital mesenchyme.
- The distribution of DNA-fragmenting cells matched the pattern of programmed cell death.
Conclusions:
- Programmed cell death in chick limb development shares biochemical features with apoptosis.
- This study provides the first biochemical evidence supporting apoptosis in embryonic limb development.
- The findings elucidate the mechanisms of cell death in morphogenesis.