We dissect genetically a gene regulatory network, including the transcription factors Tbx4, Pitx1 and Isl1 that act cooperatively to establish the hindlimb bud and identify key differences in the pathways that initiate formation of the hindlimb and forelimb. Using live image analysis of limb mesenchyme cells undergoing chondrogenesis in micromass culture, we distinguish a series of changes in cellular behaviours and cohesiveness that are required for chondrogenic precursors to undergo differentiation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the proximal hindlimb defects in the Tbx4 mutant result from a failure in the early differentiation step of chondroprogenitors into chondrocytes, providing a novel explanation for the origins of proximally-biased limb defects.
Tbx4 function during hindlimb development reveals a novel mechanism to explain the origins of proximal limb defects
Present addresses: Université Côte d'Azur, CHU de Nice, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, Nice, France
Present addresses: Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Medical Research Council
- Award Id(s): MC PC 13052
- Funder(s):
Currently Viewing Accepted Manuscript - Newer Version Available
Veronique Duboc, Fatima Sulaiman, Eleanor Feneck, Anna Kucharska, Donald Bell, Muriel Holder-Espinasse, Malcolm P.O. Logan; Tbx4 function during hindlimb development reveals a novel mechanism to explain the origins of proximal limb defects. Development 2021; dev.199580. doi: https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.199580
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