Which region of the limb is specified by Hoxa11 expression?
Segmental identity along proximodistal axis maps onto nested HoxA and HoxD cluster expression. Hoxa11 paralog specifically marks middle segment zeugopod encompassing radius and ulna in forelimb and tibia and fibula in hindlimb. Hoxa9-Hox10 dictate stylopod humerus-femur, Hoxa13 defines autopod wrist and digits. Compound Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 double mutants develop severely truncated dysmorphic zeugopod with fusions, while stylopod remains less affected. This precise mapping demonstrates temporal collinearity driving segmental limb architecture through Hox-controlled proliferation and differentiati
Ref: Gilbert, Developmental Biology, 12th ed., Chapter 19: Hoxa11 and Hoxd11 – zeugopod specification and knockout phenotype.