FGF-2: apical ectodermal ridge growth signal for chick limb development

Science. 1994 Apr 1;264(5155):104-7. doi: 10.1126/science.7908145.

Abstract

The apical ectodermal ridge permits growth and elongation of amniote limb buds; removal causes rapid changes in mesodermal gene expression, patterned cell death, and truncation of the limb. Ectopic fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 supplied to the chick apical bud mesoderm after ridge removal will sustain normal gene expression and cell viability, and allow relatively normal limb development. A bioassay for FGFs demonstrated that FGF-2 was the only detectable FGF in chick limb bud extracts. By distribution and bioactivity, FGF-2 is the prime candidate for the chick limb bud apical ridge growth signal.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival
  • Chick Embryo
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Ectoderm / chemistry
  • Ectoderm / physiology*
  • Extremities / embryology*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / analysis
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / pharmacology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Gene Expression
  • Genes, Homeobox
  • Homeodomain Proteins*
  • Humans
  • MSX1 Transcription Factor
  • Mesoderm / cytology*
  • Mesoderm / metabolism
  • Muscles / cytology
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Transcription Factors*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MSX1 Transcription Factor
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors