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Limb Pattern Formation

Upstream and Downstream of Shh Signalling

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Shh and Gli Signalling and Development

Part of the book series: Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit ((MBIU))

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Abstract

The vertebrate limb is an attractive model system for studying the interplay of signalling molecules that coordinate growth and patterning during organogenesis. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) plays a key regulatory role during vertebrate limb development as a mediator of the zone of polarizing activity, which directs antero-posterior patterning and ensures that a thumb develops anteriorly and a little finger at the posterior edge of the hand.

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the different aspects of Shh signalling function during vertebrate limb development. In particular, we will describe the sequence of events leading to the induction and formation of the Shh expression domain at the posterior limb bud margin. These events are critical to define the role of Shh in subsequent patterning of the distal limb bud and to establish the initial antero-posterior polarity. We then focus mainly on describing the molecular mechanisms supporting the potential role of Shh as a morphogen during digit patterning. Furthermore, we review the role of Gli family members in mediating Shh signal transduction with special emphasis on Shh-Gli3 interactions. Finally we will report on recent work that challenges the relevance of Shh as a spatial morphogen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Developmental Genetics, Centre for Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, 4058, Basel, Switzerland

    Aimée Zuniga & Antonella Galli

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  1. Aimée Zuniga
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  2. Antonella Galli
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© 2006 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media

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Zuniga, A., Galli, A. (2006). Limb Pattern Formation. In: Shh and Gli Signalling and Development. Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-39957-7_8

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