MicroRNA-142-3p regulates TGF-β3-mediated region-dependent chondrogenesis by regulating ADAM9

► We hypothesized that miRNAs may be responsible for intrinsic differences between wing and leg bud mesenchyme. ► And we investigate regulatory mechanism involved in this limb type-specific differentiation. ► TGF-β3 displayed the limb type-specific role during chondrogenesis of limb mesenchymal cells. ► Differential expression of miR-142-3p is involved in the limb type-specific role via targeting ADAM-9.