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Three-dimensional visualization of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath during tooth root development with the miniTESOS
Jiayu Wang1, Miao Yu1, Yang Liu1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices & Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology No. 22 Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, PR China.
Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) plays a key role in tooth root development. A new miniTESOS tissue clearing method reveals HERS
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Craniofacial development
- Tooth morphogenesis
Background:
- Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) is critical for regulating tooth root size, shape, and number.
- Understanding HERS's dynamic anatomical changes during root development is essential.
- Traditional histology limits the study of HERS's three-dimensional morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of HERS during mouse mandibular molar root development.
- To characterize the three-dimensional morphology and developmental changes of HERS.
- To analyze HERS in the root bifurcation region of developing two-rooted teeth.
Main Methods:
- Development of an improved tissue clearing method, miniTESOS (mini Transparent Embedding Solvent System).
- Application of miniTESOS to K14-Cre;Ai14 mouse embryonic and early postnatal mandibles.
- Systematic investigation of HERS spatiotemporal dynamics at the cellular level in mandibular first (MM1) and second (MM2) molars.
Main Results:
- Observed differences in MM1 and MM2 growth rates and developmental patterns during early root development.
- Identified continuous HERS exclusively at the leading edge of elongating roots in two-rooted teeth.
- Characterized four developmental stages of HERS in the root bifurcation area: initiation, elongation, contact, and fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- The study enhances understanding of HERS alterations during root development.
- A detailed developmental pattern of HERS in the root bifurcation region is summarized.
- The miniTESOS method offers a novel approach for studying tooth development.
