作者: Alexandra C. McPherron , Ann M. Lawler , Se-Jin Lee
DOI: 10.1038/10320
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摘要: The bones that comprise the axial skeleton have distinct morphological features characteristic of their positions along anterior/posterior axis. We previously described a novel TGF-β family member, myostatin (encoded by gene Mstn, formerly Gdf8), has an essential role in regulating skeletal muscle mass1. also identified related to Mstn low-stringency screening1. While work here was being completed, cloning this gene, designated Gdf11 (also called Bmp11), reported other groups2,3. Here we show Gdf11, new transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily important establishing pattern. During early mouse embryogenesis, is expressed primitive streak and tail bud regions, which are sites where mesodermal cells generated. Homozygous mutant mice carrying targeted deletion exhibit anteriorly directed homeotic transformations throughout posterior displacement hindlimbs. effect mutation dose dependent, as Gdf11+/– milder phenotype than Gdf11–/– mice. Mutant embryos alterations patterns Hox expression, suggesting acts upstream genes. Our findings suggest secreted signal globally specify positional identity