Related Experiment Videos

Embryonic mouse submandibular salivary gland morphogenesis and the TNF/TNF-R1 signal transduction pathway

M Melnick1, H Chen, Y Zhou

  • 1Laboratory for Developmental Genetics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0641, USA. mmelnick@hsc.usc.edu

The Anatomical Record
|March 10, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptor (TNF-R1) pathway are crucial for embryonic mouse salivary gland development. This pathway balances cell proliferation and apoptosis during gland formation.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine known to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis.
  • The TNF/TNF-R1 signaling pathway's role in embryonic development is not fully understood.
  • Submandibular salivary gland (SMG) morphogenesis involves precise regulation of cell growth and death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of the TNF/TNF-R1 signaling pathway in embryonic mouse SMG morphogenesis.
  • To elucidate the pathway's role in balancing cell proliferation and apoptosis during gland development.

Main Methods:

  • In vivo characterization of mRNA and protein expression for TNF/TNF-R1 pathway components.
  • In vitro experiments assessing phenotypic outcomes of altered TNF ligand levels (enhanced and deficient).

Main Results:

  • The TNF/TNF-R1 signaling pathway is expressed during embryonic SMG development.
  • Modulating TNF ligand levels in vitro affects SMG morphogenesis.
  • The pathway is critical for balancing cell proliferation and apoptosis in developing SMG ducts and acini.

Conclusions:

  • The TNF/TNF-R1 signaling pathway is a key regulator of embryonic salivary gland development.
  • This pathway plays a vital role in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis during SMG morphogenesis.
  • Findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms governing salivary gland formation.

Related Concept Videos