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The Slice Culture Method for Following Development of Tooth Germs In Explant Culture
Published on: November 13, 2013
Autophagy appears during the development of the mouse lower first molar
Jing-wen Yang1, Ling-xin Zhu, Guo-hua Yuan
1The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology-Hubei-MOST, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, 237 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430079, China.
Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|October 12, 2012
Summary
Autophagy, a cellular self-degradation process, is present during tooth development (odontogenesis). This study found autophagy partially overlaps with apoptosis, suggesting a role in regulating cell death during tooth formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Oral Biology
Background:
- Odontogenesis involves programmed cell death (apoptosis) for tissue shaping.
- Autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is implicated in embryogenesis and morphogenesis.
- The potential role of autophagy in odontogenesis alongside apoptosis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential association of autophagy with apoptosis during tooth development (odontogenesis).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR to detect autophagy-related gene transcripts (Atg5, Atg7, Atg12).
- Western blot to analyze autophagy markers (Atg5-Atg12 conjugate, LC3 lipidation).
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to localize LC3 and TUNEL signals.
- Transmission electron microscopy to visualize autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic nuclei.
Main Results:
- Autophagy-related genes and proteins were detected throughout tooth germ development.
- LC3, an autophagy marker, localized to various cells within developing tooth germs, including those undergoing apoptosis.
- Partial colocalization of autophagy markers and apoptotic signals was observed.
- Autophagic vacuoles and apoptotic nuclei were concurrently identified via electron microscopy.
Conclusions:
- Autophagy is developmentally present during odontogenesis.
- Autophagy partially colocalizes with apoptosis during tooth development, suggesting a coordinated role in regulating cell fate.
