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Analysis of the expression and function of Wnt‐5a and Wnt‐5b in developing and regenerating axolotl ( Ambystoma mexicanum ) limbs
Author(s) -
Ghosh Sukla,
Roy Stéphane,
Séguin Carl,
Bryant Susan V.,
Gardiner David M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
development, growth and differentiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.864
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1440-169X
pISSN - 0012-1592
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2008.01000.x
Subject(s) - blastema , axolotl , ambystoma mexicanum , wnt signaling pathway , biology , regeneration (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , limb development , vertebrate , ectopic expression , anatomy , morphogenesis , genetics , gene , signal transduction , embryo
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.