Molecules in Mouse Fingertip Regeneration

Fingertip regeneration in mice seems to be regulated by a pair of other genes. These are Msx1, an important developmental gene, and the gene for bone morphogenetic factor 4 (BMP4) protein.

During development, both MSX and BMP are key molecules in limb formation. They interact with a host of other molecules, including Fgf, in a complex interplay that has only recently begun to be unraveled.