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Molecular mechanisms controlling antler regeneration

ReferenceG08574
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Joanna Price
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University College London
DepartmentMedicine
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 159,027
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 19/01/1998
End date 19/01/2001
Duration36 months

Abstract

The antlers of red deer regenerate each year from a blastema into complex branched structures by an endochondral process. In this study we will test the hypotheses (i) that the molecular signals which mediate epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the regenerating antler are similar to those that play a role in embryonic limb development (ii) that the expression of these signals is influenced by hormones and (iii) that during antler regeneration the osteogenic potential of a range of mesenchymal cells is influenced by circulating sex hormones. The expression of FGF-4, BMPs 2&4, Sonic and Indian Hedgehog, Msx-1 & Msx-2 will be studied in antlers at selected stages of growth, and when the hormonal environment is manipulated. The effects of growth factors, retinoic acid and epithelium on the differentiation of cultured blastema cells will be studied. The osteogenic potential of different cell types will be determined in vitro and then in vivo using the diffusion chamber assay.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Genes & Developmental Biology (GDB)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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