Local origin of cells in FGF-4 - Induced outgrowth of amputated chick wing bud stumps

Abstract

Urodele amphibians are the only vertebrates that can regenerate amputated limbs, even as adults. However, we have previously shown that amputated chick wing bud stumps can be induced to 'ragenerate' and to form a complete set of correctly-patterned skeletal elements, following implantation of beads soaked in fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4). We have now performed DiI injection experiments to determine which cells contribute to FGF-4- induced chick wing bud 'regenerates'. We show that the FGF-4-induced outgrowth of the regenerating wing bud stump is comprised of mesenchyme cells that originate from a region within 200 μm of the FGF-4 bead, and that cells proximal to the bead move distally.