Conserved regulation of mesenchymal gene expression by Fgf-8 in face and limb development

Development. 1999 Jan;126(2):221-8. doi: 10.1242/dev.126.2.221.

Abstract

Clim-2 (NLI, Lbd1) is one of two related mouse proteins that interact with Lim-domain homeoproteins. In the mouse, embryonic expression of Clim-2 is particularly pronounced in facial ectomesenchyme and limb bud mesenchyme in association with Lim genes, Lhx-6 and Lmx-1 respectively. We show that in common with both these Lim genes, Clim-2 expression is regulated by signals from overlying epithelium. In both the developing face and the limb buds we identify Fgf-8 as the likely candidate signalling molecule that regulates Clim-2 expression. We show that in the mandibular arch, as in the limb, Fgf-8 functions in combination with CD44, a cell surface binding protein, and that blocking CD44 binding results in inhibition of Fgf8-induced expression of Clim-2 and Lhx-6. Regulation of gene expression by Fgf8 in association with CD44 is thus conserved between limb and mandibular arch development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins*
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development*
  • Extremities / growth & development*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 8
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 9
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
  • Growth Substances / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics
  • Hyaluronic Acid / pharmacology
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Mandible / growth & development*
  • Mesoderm / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Fgf8 protein, mouse
  • Fgf9 protein, mouse
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 9
  • Growth Substances
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Ldb1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 8
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Hyaluronic Acid