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Live Imaging of Mouse Secondary Palate Fusion
Published on: July 27, 2017
Temporal changes in collagen composition and metabolism during rodent palatogenesis
J P Mansell1, J Kerrigan, J McGill
1Division of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, BS1 2LY, Bristol, UK. j.p.mansell@bris.ac.uk
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
|October 21, 2000
Summary
Collagen composition and cross-linking in developing rat palates varied significantly during shelf elevation. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels increased, suggesting extracellular matrix regulation is crucial for palate morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Craniofacial Development
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital craniofacial malformation with unknown multifactorial etiology.
- Collagen is a critical structural component of the developing palate, influencing its formation and elevation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate collagen composition and metabolism during rat palate shelf development and elevation.
- To analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) during palate morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Palatal shelves were harvested from embryonic day (E) 15, 16, 17, and post-partum rats.
- Collagen content, cross-linking (hydroxylysyl-pyridinolone, dihydroxylysinononorleucine), and MMP/TIMP levels (MMP-2, MMP-3, TIMP-1, TIMP-2) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Palatal collagen increased significantly from E15 to post-partum.
- Specific collagen cross-links peaked before shelf elevation, indicating a compliant mesenchymal stage.
- MMP-2 levels elevated significantly between E15 and E17, while MMP-3, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 remained constant.
Conclusions:
- Changes in collagen composition and cross-linking support a model of intrinsic force driving palate elevation.
- Elevated MMP-2 suggests its role in regulating the extracellular matrix during palate morphogenesis.
- Understanding these molecular dynamics is vital for insights into cleft palate etiology.
