Combinatorial signaling by Sonic hedgehog and Wnt family members induces myogenic bHLH gene expression in the somite.

• DOI: 10.1101/gad.9.23.2911
• Publication Date: 2007-06-05T21:15:46Z
• Authors: A E Münsterberg; J Kitajewski; D A Bumcrot; A P McMahon; A B Lassar
• Keywords: Notochord; Floor plate; Myotome; Limb bud

We have demonstrated previously that a combination of signals from the neural tube and floor plate/notochord complex synergistically induce expression myogenic bHLH genes differentiation markers in unspecified somites. In this study we demonstrate Sonic hedgehog (Shh), which is expressed plate/notochord, subset Wnt family members (Wnt-1, Wnt-3, Wnt-4), are dorsal regions tube, mimic muscle inducing activity these tissues. combination, Shh either Wnt-1 or Wnt-3 sufficient to myogenesis somitic tissue vitro. Therefore, propose myotome formation vivo may be directed by combinatorial secreted ventral midline tissues (floor plate notochord) ligands tube.