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Characterization of desmosomal component expression during palatogenesis.
M Mogass1, P Bringas, C F Shuler
1Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 90033, USA.
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|June 15, 2000
Summary
Palatal shelf adhesion during fusion relies on desmosomal junctions. Gene expression of these cell adhesion molecules is upregulated in the medial edge epithelia, initiating palatal fusion.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cell biology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Palatal fusion is essential for facial development.
- Desmosomal junctions mediate cell adhesion between medial edge epithelia (MEE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of desmosomal components during palatogenesis.
- To understand the role of desmosomal gene expression in palatal shelf adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze gene expression.
- Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to visualize protein localization and tissue structure.
- Western blot analysis to assess protein levels.
Main Results:
- Desmosomal gene expression was significantly upregulated in the MEE during early palatal fusion.
- All known desmosomal components were detected except for desmocollin 1 (DSC1).
- Desmocollin 2 (DSC2) was expressed at equal levels for both DSC2a and DSC2b variants.
Conclusions:
- Temporal and spatial upregulation of desmosomal genes in MEE is crucial for palatal shelf adhesion.
- This upregulation indicates induced gene expression necessary for initiating palatal fusion.
- Desmosomal components play a key role in the initial stages of palatal fusion mechanism.