The objective of the Program is to study the molecular regulation of pattern formation in the developing vertebrate limb, and to begin to apply this basic knowledge to understanding the nature of human genetic disorders affecting limb patterning. In Project 1, the role that apoptosis plays in maintenance of the activity of the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) that directs limb outgrowth and patterning will be investigated, as will the related hypothesis that the homeobox- containing gene Msx-2 and BMPs are in a regulatory network that controls programmed cell death in the AER. The hypothesis that the homeobox- containing gene Cux-, the vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila Cut gene, AER. The hypothesis that the homeobox-containing Cux, the vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila Cut gene, plays a critical role in regulation the onset of the segmentation process that generates joints between the skeletal elements of the limb will also be studied. In Project 2, the roles and relationships among the homeobox-containing gene Dlx-5, and the growth factors IGF-1, TGF-alpha, and FGF-10 in the establishment of the presumptive limb regions of the lateral plate, and the initial formation of the limb from these regions will be investigated. In Project 3, the transcriptional mechanisms that regulate the expression of Msx-2 in the developing vertebrate limb will be studied. Particular emphasis will be on identification of the cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors that control the independently-regulated spatially- specific domains of Msx-2 expression and transacting factors that control the independently-regulated spatially-specific domains of Msx-2 expression in the AER and mesoderm. In Project 4, genetic linkage analyses and positioning cloning strategies will be used to map the loci of and identify the genes responsible for the human genetic defects Split Hand-Split Foot-4 malformations and Acheiropodia, which are genetic disorders that result from impairments in developmental patterning of the limbs. A Core unit will supply the Projects with amelic and polydactylous mutant chick embryos that will be used in the analysis of the roles of regulatory genes and signaling molecules in patterning. The integrated goal of the Program is to study the nature, regulation, interactions, and mechanisms of action of some of the genes and signaling molecules involved in the formation, outgrowth, and patterning of the vertebrate limb, and to begin to apply this basic knowledge the nature of human genetic disorders affecting limb patterning.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
5P01HD022610-11
Application #
6182022
Study Section
Pediatrics Subcommittee (CHHD)
Program Officer
Javois, Lorette Claire
Project Start
1988-08-01
Project End
2004-03-31
Budget Start
2000-04-01
Budget End
2001-03-31
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$682,772
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Connecticut
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Farmington
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06030
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Shepard, John B; Jeong, Jae-Wook; Maihle, Nita J et al. (2013) Transient anabolic effects accompany epidermal growth factor receptor signal activation in articular cartilage in vivo. Arthritis Res Ther 15:R60
Yu, Ling; Han, Manjong; Yan, Mingquan et al. (2012) BMP2 induces segment-specific skeletal regeneration from digit and limb amputations by establishing a new endochondral ossification center. Dev Biol 372:263-73
Özpolat, B Duygu; Zapata, Mariana; Daniel Frugé, John et al. (2012) Regeneration of the elbow joint in the developing chick embryo recapitulates development. Dev Biol 372:229-38
Wang, Chi-Kuang Leo; Tsugane, Mizuyo H; Scranton, Victoria et al. (2011) Pleiotropic patterning response to activation of Shh signaling in the limb apical ectodermal ridge. Dev Dyn 240:1289-302
Matsumoto, Kazu; Li, Yingcui; Jakuba, Caroline et al. (2009) Conditional inactivation of Has2 reveals a crucial role for hyaluronan in skeletal growth, patterning, chondrocyte maturation and joint formation in the developing limb. Development 136:2825-35
Stefanov, Emily K; Ferrage, Jordan M; Parchim, Nicholas F et al. (2009) Modification of the zone of polarizing activity signal by trypsin. Dev Growth Differ 51:123-33
Li, Haitao; Marijanovic, Inga; Kronenberg, Mark S et al. (2008) Expression and function of Dlx genes in the osteoblast lineage. Dev Biol 316:458-70
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Han, Manjong; Yang, Xiaodong; Lee, Jangwoo et al. (2008) Development and regeneration of the neonatal digit tip in mice. Dev Biol 315:125-35

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