Distinct spatiotemporal roles of hedgehog signalling during chick and mouse cranial base and axial skeleton development.

ABSTRACT: The cranial base exerts a supportive role for the brain and includes the occipital, sphenoid and ethmoid bones that arise from cartilaginous precursors in the early embryo. As the occipital bone and the posterior part of the sphenoid are mesoderm derivatives that arise in close proximity to the notochord and floor plate, it has been assumed that their development, like the axial skeleton, is dependent on Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and modulation of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signalling. Here we examined the development of the cranial base in chick and mouse embryos to compare the molecular signals that are required for chondrogenic induction in the trunk and head. We found that Shh signalling is required but the molecular network controlling cranial base development is distinct from that i

SUBMITTER: Balczerski B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3480222 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature