Similar expression and regulation of Gli2 and Gli3 in the chick limb bud

Gli genes encode a family of zinc finger transcription factors that mediate signaling by Hedgehog proteins. We have cloned the chick Gli3 gene and stu died its expression in developing chick limbs. Gli3 expression is highly si milar to that of chick Gli2. Gli3 mRNA is evenly distributed in the early l imb mesenchyme and subsequently downregulated in the posterior mesenchyme b y the polarizing activity of Sonic hedgehog. At later stages, Gli3 is expre ssed in the distal limb mesenchyme. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.