Related Experiment Videos
Tooth-type specific expression of dHAND/Hand2: possible involvement in murine lower incisor morphogenesis
Makoto Abe1, Yoshihiro Tamamura, Hiroyuki Yamagishi
1Department of Oral Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan. makoto@dent.osaka-u.ac.jp
Cell and Tissue Research
|October 25, 2002
Summary
The dHAND gene is crucial for lower incisor development in mice, regulating cell differentiation and proliferation. Basic fibroblast growth factor may act downstream of dHAND in this process.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Oral Biology
Background:
- dHAND/Hand2 is a transcription factor vital for embryonic development, including heart, pharyngeal arches, and vasculature.
- Its role in tooth development has not been previously reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of the dHAND gene during mouse tooth development.
- To determine the functional role of dHAND in tooth germ cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Expression analysis of dHAND in developing mouse tooth germs.
- Treatment of tooth germ explants with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) against dHAND.
- Assessment of cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis following ODN treatment.
- Evaluation of rescue effects using basic fibroblast growth factor.
Main Results:
- dHAND expression was observed in the mesenchyme of developing lower incisors but not in upper incisors or molars.
- Antisense ODN treatment targeting dHAND inhibited lower incisor cell differentiation (ameloblasts, odontoblasts), dentin/enamel formation, proliferation, and increased apoptosis.
- Similar treatment had minimal effects on upper incisor and molar development.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor partially rescued cells from the effects of dHAND inhibition.
Conclusions:
- The dHAND gene plays a critical, type-specific role in the development of lower incisors.
- Basic fibroblast growth factor appears to function downstream of the dHAND pathway in tooth germ cells.