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Science 21 July 2000:
Vol. 289. no. 5478, pp. 438 - 441
DOI: 10.1126/science.289.5478.438
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Reports

Interdigital Regulation of Digit Identity and Homeotic Transformation by Modulated BMP Signaling

Randall D. Dahn, John F. Fallon*

The developmental mechanisms specifying digital identity have attracted 30 years of intense interest, but still remain poorly understood. Here, through experiments on chick foot development, we show digital identity is not a fixed property of digital primordia. Rather, digital identity is specified by the interdigital mesoderm, demonstrating a patterning function for this tissue before its regression. More posterior interdigits specify more posterior digital identities, and each primordium will develop in accordance with the most posterior cues received. Furthermore, inhibition of interdigital bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling can transform digit identity, suggesting a role for BMPs in this process.

Department of Anatomy, University of Wisconsin, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
*   To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jffallon{at}facstaff.wisc.edu

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)