Developmental Biology
The apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is a thickened region of ectoderm located at the distal end of the limb bud, playing a critical role in limb development. It serves as a signaling center that influences the growth and patterning of the underlying mesoderm, promoting limb elongation and regulating the formation of limb structures. The AER is essential for proper limb development as it interacts with various signaling pathways, including those involving fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and other morphogens.
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