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Expression of DLX5 during human embryonic craniofacial development
J L Davideau1, P Demri, T T Gu
1Laboratoire de Biologie-Odontologie, Université Paris VII, Paris, France. biol_odonto_fr@yahoo.com
Mechanisms of Development
|May 20, 1999
Summary
Distal-less homeogene 5 (DLX5) plays a key role in human embryonic development, particularly in the formation of the jaw and teeth. Its expression pattern reveals insights into craniofacial patterning and tooth shape development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Distal-less (DLX) homeogenes are crucial transcription factors for orofacial skeleton patterning derived from cephalic neural crest cells.
- Understanding DLX gene roles in human embryonic development is essential for comprehending craniofacial anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of DLX5 during early human embryonic development (6-11 weeks).
- To elucidate the role of DLX5 in human craniofacial and dental development.
Main Methods:
- PCR amplification of a DLX5 fragment from human dental cDNA.
- Subcloning and in situ hybridization for precise expression analysis.
- Examination of DLX5 localization in 6- to 11-week-old human embryos.
Main Results:
- DLX5 expression was initially observed in the mandible, followed by the maxilla.
- DLX5 localized to progenitor cells of developing tooth germs, mandible, and maxilla bones and cartilages.
- During early odontogenesis, DLX5 transcripts were found in both dental epithelium and mesenchyme, with distinct distribution patterns.
Conclusions:
- The DLX5 expression pattern in humans supports its role in neural crest-derived cell patterning for dentition.
- Asymmetric DLX5 expression during tooth morphogenesis suggests a contribution to human tooth shape determination.