Analysis of the expression and function of Wnt-5a and Wnt-5b in developing and regenerating axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) limbs

Urodele amphibians are unique adult vertebrates because they are able to regenerate body parts after amputation. Studies of urodele limb regeneration, the key model system for vertebrate regeneration, have led to an understanding of the origin of blastema cells and the importance of positional inter...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Development, growth & differentiation growth & differentiation, 2008-05, Vol.50 (4), p.289-297
Main Authors: Ghosh, Sukla, Roy, Stéphane, Séguin, Carl, Bryant, Susan V, Gardiner, David M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambystoma
Ambystoma mexicanum
Ambystoma mexicanum - physiology
Animals
axolotl
Blotting, Northern
Cell Differentiation
dedifferentiation
DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics
DNA-Binding Proteins - metabolism
Extremities - physiology
Homeodomain Proteins - genetics
Homeodomain Proteins - metabolism
In Situ Hybridization
limb
Regeneration
Wnt
Wnt Proteins - genetics
Wnt Proteins - metabolism
Wnt-5a Protein
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Summary:Urodele amphibians are unique adult vertebrates because they are able to regenerate body parts after amputation. Studies of urodele limb regeneration, the key model system for vertebrate regeneration, have led to an understanding of the origin of blastema cells and the importance of positional interactions between blastema cells in the control of growth and pattern formation. Progress is now being made in the identification of the signaling pathways that regulate dedifferentiation, blastema morphogenesis, growth and pattern formation. Members of the Wnt family of secreted proteins are expressed in developing and regenerating limbs, and have the potential to control growth, pattern formation and differentiation. We have studied the expression of two non-canonical Wnt genes, Wnt-5a and Wnt-5b. We report that they are expressed in equivalent patterns during limb development and limb regeneration in the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), and during limb development in other tetrapods, implying conservation of function. Our analysis of the effects of ectopic Wnt-5a expression is consistent with the hypothesis that canonical Wnt signaling functions during the early stages of regeneration to control the dedifferentiation of stump cells giving rise to the regeneration-competent cells of the blastema.
ISSN:0012-1592
1440-169X
DOI:10.1111/j.1440-169X.2008.01000.x