Skeletal muscles in vertebrates, despite their functional and biochemical s
imilarities, are generated via diverse developmental mechanisms. A major su
bclass of hypaxial muscle groups is derived from long-range migrating proge
nitor cells that delaminate from the dermomyotome. The development of this
lineage is controlled by Pax3, the c-Met tyrosine kinase receptor, its liga
nd SF/HGF (scatter factor/hepatacyte growth factor) and the homeobox factor
Lbx1. These molecules are essential for establishment of the precursor poo
l, delamination, migration and target finding. Progress has been made in un
derstanding patterning of the muscles, which requires a precise control of
proliferation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells.