Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the development of salivary glands

The full expression of both morphogenesis and secretory cell differentiation in salivary glands is modulated or controlled, at least in part, by interactions between the salivary epithelium and the surrounding mesenchyme. Salivary gland morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are partially linked but independently regulated processes. This presentation reviews the information that establishes the role of various extracellular matrix molecules and direct epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the induction, control, and maintenance of morphogenesis and secretory cell differentiation in salivary glands.