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Hey1 and Hey2 are differently expressed during mouse tooth development.
Kotono Kibe1, Mitsushiro Nakatomi2, Shinji Kataoka2
1School of Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Kyushu Dental University, 2-6-1 Manazuru, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Japan.
Gene Expression Patterns : GEP
|November 21, 2017
Summary
The Hey1 and Hey2 genes are newly found to play specific roles in mouse tooth development. Hey2 is involved in early ameloblast development, while Hey1 influences the dental pulp and later ameloblast differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The Hey family of transcription factors (Hey1, Hey2, HeyL) are known regulators of various developmental processes.
- Their specific roles in tooth development have remained largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding these roles is crucial for insights into dental morphogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the spatiotemporal expression patterns of Hey1 and Hey2 during mouse tooth development.
- To identify the specific cellular and tissue-level functions of Hey1 and Hey2 in molar and incisor development.
Main Methods:
- Section in situ hybridization was employed to analyze gene expression.
- Expression patterns of Hey1 and Hey2 were examined in developing mouse molars and incisors across various developmental stages.
Main Results:
- Hey1 and Hey2 showed minimal expression in early tooth germ stages.
- During the bell stage, Hey2 was localized to the inner enamel epithelium, while Hey1 was found in preameloblasts.
- Hey1 was highly expressed in the subodontoblastic layer of the dental pulp, with Hey2 showing minimal mesenchymal expression.
Conclusions:
- Hey2 appears to function in transient amplifying cells of the ameloblast lineage.
- Hey1 plays a role in the subodontoblastic layer composition and ameloblast differentiation.
- These findings offer new perspectives on the molecular mechanisms governing tooth development.
