Localization of HstI transcripts to the apical ectodermal ridge in the mouse embryo

• Published in: Developmental biology Vol. 150; no. 1; pp. 219 - 222
• Main Authors: Suzuki, Hiroaki R., Sakamoto, Hiromi, Yoshida, Teruhiko, Sugimura, Takashi, Terada, Masaaki, Solursh, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 01.03.1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; DNA Probes; Ectoderm - metabolism; Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology; Extremities - embryology; Fibroblast Growth Factor 4; Fibroblast Growth Factors - genetics; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Growth Substances - genetics; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C - embryology; Molecular embryology; Oncogene Proteins - genetics; Proto-Oncogene Proteins - genetics; RNA, Messenger - analysis; Embryonic development; Fibroblast growth factor; Molecular hybridization; Vertebrata; Embryo; Mammalia; Messenger RNA; Mouse; In situ; Rodentia; Gene expression
• ISSN: 0012-1606; 1095-564X
• DOI: 10.1016/0012-1606(92)90020-H

The HstI gene is a transforming gene, coding for a protein of the fibroblast growth factor family (Sakamoto et al., 1986). Previous RNA hybridization studies with the mouse homolog demonstrated the presence of a 3.0-kb transcript in Day 11 and 14 mouse embryos. Here we detect a 3.0-kb transcript in the limb and body of the dissected Day 11 mouse embryo. PCR amplification using HstI-specific primers also showed comparable results. In order to localize the HstI transcripts during development, corresponding HstI cDNA was isolated, and an HstI-specific region was used as a probe for in situ hybridization analysis. Serial sections of embryos from Day 8 (early-somite stages) through Days 9, 10, 11, and 12 of gestation were examined. With the antisense probe, a signal was detected in the Day 11 and 12 embryo, where it was localized to the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) of the limb bud. This structure is well known for its role in promoting the distal outgrowth of the developing limb bud. Signal was detected in both fore- and hindlimbs during the period of rapid distal growth. This restricted localization suggests a role for HstI in normal embryogenesis, including outgrowth of the limb bud.