Evidence for Fgf and Wnt regulation of <i>Lhx2</i> during limb development via two limb-specific <i>Lhx2</i>-associated <i>cis</i>-regulatory modules.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In vertebrate limb morphogenesis, wingless-related integration site (Wnt) proteins and fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) secreted from the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) coordinate proximodistal outgrowth. Fgfs also sustain sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA). Shh directs anteroposterior patterning and expansion and regulates AER-Fgfs, establishing a positive regulatory feedback loop that is vital in sustaining limb outgrowth. The transcription factor LIM homeodomain 2 (Lhx2) is expressed in the distal mesoderm and coordinates AER and ZPA signals that control cellular proliferation, differentiation, and shaping of the developing limb. Yet how Lhx2 is transcriptionally regulated to support such functions has only been partially characteriz

SUBMITTER: Britton JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11882541 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature