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A number of human congenital disorders present with both heart and limb defects, consistent with common genetic pathways. We have recently shown that the LIM homeodomain transcription factor islet 1 (Isl1) marks a subset of cardiac progenitors. Here, we perform lineage studies with an Isl1Cre mouse line to demonstrate that Isl1 also marks a subset of limb progenitors. In both cardiac and limb progenitors, Isl1 expression is downregulated as progenitors migrate in to form either heart or limb. To investigate common heart-limb pathways in Isl1-expressing progenitors, we ablated the Type I Bmp receptor, Bmpr1a utilizing Isl1Cre/+. Analysis of consequent heart and limb phenotypes has revealed novel requirements for Bmp signaling. Additionally, we find that Bmp signaling in Isl1-expressing progenitors is required for expression of T-box transcription factors Tbx2 and Tbx3 in heart and limb. Tbx3 is required for heart and limb formation, and is mutated in ulnar-mammary syndrome. We provide evidence that the Tbx3 promoter is directly regulated by Bmp Smads in vivo.

Original publication

DOI

10.1242/dev.02322

Type

Journal article

Journal

Development

Publication Date

04/2006

Volume

133

Pages

1575 - 1585

Keywords

Animals, Base Sequence, Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Down-Regulation, Extremities, Heart, Heart Defects, Congenital, Homeodomain Proteins, LIM-Homeodomain Proteins, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Mice, Mutant Strains, Molecular Sequence Data, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Phenotype, Promoter Regions, Genetic, Signal Transduction, T-Box Domain Proteins, Transcription Factors