Expression of planar cell polarity genes during mouse tooth development

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Planar cell polarity (PCP) governs cell polarity crucial for tissue development.
• PCP signaling components are present in tooth germs, but their precise roles in tooth development are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the temporal and spatial gene expression patterns of PCP components during mouse tooth development.

Main Methods:

• In situ hybridization was used to analyze the expression of Celsr1, Celsr2, Fzd3, Fzd6, Vangl1, Vangl2, Dvl1, Dvl2, and Dvl3 in mouse molar germs from bud to bell stages.

Main Results:

• All analyzed PCP genes were expressed in the bud stage tooth germ.
• Differential expression of Fzd3 and Fzd6 was observed in the enamel knot during the cap stage.
• Vangl2, Fzd3, and Dvl2 showed strong expression in the inner dental epithelium during the bell stage, with Celsr1, Fzd3, Fzd6, Vangl2, and Dvl2 also prominent at the bell stage. Differentiated odontoblasts expressed Celsr1, Vangl2, and Dvl2.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed map of PCP gene expression during tooth development.
• These findings enhance the understanding of PCP pathway involvement in the intricate processes of tooth formation.