Notochord-derived hedgehog is essential for tail regeneration in Xenopus tadpole

BMC Developmental Biology, 2014 · DOI: 10.1186/1471-213X-14-27 · Published: June 18, 2014

Simple Explanation

Amphibian tail regeneration is a valuable model for studying cell growth, differentiation and morphogenesis. Multiple signaling molecules, including Hedgehog, are involved in this process. Urodeles depend on the spinal cord for tail regeneration, while anurans depend on the notochord. This study investigates the role of Hedgehog signaling in Xenopus tadpole tail regeneration. In Xenopus, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the notochord, not the spinal cord. Inhibiting Hedgehog signaling impairs tail regeneration, notochord maturation, and myofiber formation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Xenopus laevis larvae

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed exclusively in the notochord during tail regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles.
2
Inhibiting hedgehog signaling with cyclopamine impairs overall tail regeneration, including notochord maturation and myofiber formation.
3
Cyclopamine treatment reduces proliferation of spinal cord cells and mesenchymal cells in the regenerating tail.

Research Summary

This study investigates the role of hedgehog signaling in tail regeneration of Xenopus tadpoles, focusing on the expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh). The research finds that Shh is exclusively expressed in the notochord, and inhibiting hedgehog signaling with cyclopamine severely impairs tail regeneration. The study concludes that the difference in Shh localization is the likely basis for the differing tissue requirement for tail regeneration between urodeles and anurans.

Practical Implications

Understanding Tissue Dependency

The different tissue specificity of Shh expression is the major cause leading to the differences in the tissue dependency between anurans and urodeles.

Hedgehog Signaling in Muscle Regeneration

Vertebrate muscle regeneration is regulated by a common mechanism involving hedgehog signaling, providing insights into muscle repair strategies.

Drug Development for Regenerative Medicine

Targeting hedgehog signaling could have therapeutic implications for promoting tissue regeneration in various contexts.

Study Limitations

1
Expression signal for bhh was not detected in any tissue by in situ hybridization probably due to a low expression level
2
The precise role of hedgehog signaling in the notochord cells will be determined using defined experimental systems, for example, culturing isolated notochord cells.
3
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between hedgehog signaling and other signaling pathways during tail regeneration.

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