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

Fallon, J F; López, A; Ros, M A; Savage, M P; Olwin, B B; Simandl, B K · Science · 1994

basic_science · Level V

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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.

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