D. Buscher et al., EVIDENCE FOR GENETIC-CONTROL OF SONIC HEDGEHOG BY GLI3 IN MOUSE LIMB DEVELOPMENT, Mechanisms of development, 62(2), 1997, pp. 175-182
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) expression in the developing limb is associated w
ith the zone of polarising activity (ZPA), and both are restricted to
the posterior part of the limb bud. We show that the expression patter
ns of Shh and Gli3, a member of the Gli-family believed to function in
transcriptional control, appear to be mutually exclusive in limb buds
of mouse embryos. In the polydactyly mouse mutant extra toes (Xt), po
ssessing a null mutation of Gli3, Shh is additionally expressed in the
anterior region of the limb bud. The transcript of Ptc, the putative
receptor for Shh protein, can be detected anteriorly as well. Other ge
nes known to be involved in limb outgrowth and patterning, like Fibrob
last growth factor (Fgf), Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp), and Herd a
re misexpressed in relation to the ectopic Shh expression domain in Xt
limb buds. This data suggest that Gli3 is a regulator of Shh expressi
on in mouse limb development. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.