Homeotic transformation of tail to limbs: A novel morphogenesis in the framework of self-organization and reprogramming of cell fate during appendage regeneration.

Homeotic transformation of tail to hindlimbs in anuran tadpoles is a manifestation of the reprogramming of positional information in the event of tail regeneration. Such discovery of homeosis is of particular interest considering its occurrence in a vertebrate under the influence of a morphogen which represents a self-organizing system in the context of developmental and regenerative studies. This article reviews homeotic transformation of tail to hindlimbs including pelvic girdles induced by retinoic acid (RA) /vitamin A palmitate during tail regeneration under the scope of self-organization and the role of blastema as an organizer.

FGF2 and FGF10 expression patterns in the epidermis and mesenchyme during homeotic transformation of tail into hindlimbs in frog tadpoles.

Limbs are trunk quintessential in tetrapods. Their development relies on the Retinoic acid (RA) gradient in association with the Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs). The role of various FGFs have been probed extensively and confirmed during the induction of ectopic limbs in vertebrates.

Spinal cord self-repair during tail regeneration in Polypedates maculatus and putative role of FGF1 as a neurotrophic factor.

Spinal cord injury could be fatal in man and often results in irreversible medical conditions affecting mobility. However, anuran amphibians win over such pathological condition by the virtue of regeneration abilities. The tail of anuran tadpoles therefore allures researchers to study spinal cord injury and self- repair process.