The apical ectodermal ridge plays a key role in limb development. We s
how that recombinant FGF-4 can substitute for the ridge to provide all
the signals necessary for virtually complete outgrowth and patterning
of the chick limb. FGF-4 stimulates proliferation of cells in the dis
tal mesenchyme and maintains a signal from the posterior to the distal
mesenchyme that appears to be required for elaboration of skeletal el
ements in the normal proximodistal sequence. Moreover, retinoic acid,
which is capable of providing polarizing activity, can supply this sig
nal. This suggests that polarizing activity plays a role in patterning
along the proximodistal axis, in addition to its well-established rol
e in anteroposterior patterning. Taken together, the data suggest a si
mple mechanism whereby FGF-4 links growth and pattern formation during
limb development.