Inhibition of WNT/β-catenin is necessary and sufficient to induce expression in developing tendons of chicken limb.

The cell differentiation of the musculoskeletal system is highly coordinated during limb development. In the distal-most region of the limb, WNT and FGF released from the apical ectodermal ridge maintain mesenchymal cells in the undifferentiated stage. Once the cells stop receiving WNT and FGF, they respond to differentiation signals.