| First Author | Sheth R | Year | 2012 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 338 |
| Issue | 6113 | Pages | 1476-80 |
| PubMed ID | 23239739 | Mgi Jnum | J:192010 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5463814 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1226804 |
| Citation | Sheth R, et al. (2012) Hox genes regulate digit patterning by controlling the wavelength of a Turing-type mechanism. Science 338(6113):1476-80 |
| abstractText | The formation of repetitive structures (such as stripes) in nature is often consistent with a reaction-diffusion mechanism, or Turing model, of self-organizing systems. We used mouse genetics to analyze how digit patterning (an iterative digit/nondigit pattern) is generated. We showed that the progressive reduction in Hoxa13 and Hoxd11-Hoxd13 genes (hereafter referred to as distal Hox genes) from the Gli3-null background results in progressively more severe polydactyly, displaying thinner and densely packed digits. Combined with computer modeling, our results argue for a Turing-type mechanism underlying digit patterning, in which the dose of distal Hox genes modulates the digit period or wavelength. The phenotypic similarity with fish-fin endoskeleton patterns suggests that the pentadactyl state has been achieved through modification of an ancestral Turing-type mechanism. |
