CXXC Finger Protein 1 drives BMP signaling and progenitor cell differentiation during limb development

Here, we show that CXXC Finger Protein 1 (CFP1) is required for the onset of chondrogenesis during forelimb development. CFP1-deficient mesenchymal progenitor cells (LMPs) retain an immature molecular signature with elevated FGF and SHH signaling and repressed BMP signaling, in part, due to (1) reduced expression of type I BMP receptors, (2) reduced Smad1 protein levels and (3) an altered extracellular niche.

Moreover, the addition of exogenous BMP ligand or antagonism of heparan sulfate restores LMP differentiation toward a chondrogenic fate and enhances BMP signaling, suggesting a defect in BMP ligand bioavailability mediates the CFP1-deficient LMP phenotype. Together, these findings define CFP1 as a gatekeeper between the undifferentiated and differentiated state of LMPs during endochondral bone formation and as a physiological regulator of BMP signaling.