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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Isolation and Time-Lapse Imaging of Primary Mouse Embryonic Palatal Mesenchyme Cells to Analyze Collective Movement Attributes
Published on: February 13, 2021
Biological patterns of mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells at different palatogenic stages
Zhiwei Wang1, Shiteng Wang1, Xiaoyu Zheng1
1Laboratory of Orofacial Development, Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Molecular Laboratory for Gene Therapy and Tooth Regeneration, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Fanjiacun Road No.9, Beijing 100070, China.
Abstract:
Mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cell culture is commonly used to study palate development and cleft palate (CP). However, there are few reports on the changes in the biological patterns of MEPM cells during palate development. In this study, we investigated the changes in the biological characteristics of MEPM cells during the critical period of mouse palate development from embryonic day (E) 13.5 to E16.5. First, we examined the proliferation and apoptotic factors, as well as the osteogenic ability, of palatal shelves from E13.5 to E16.5 in vivo using immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR. Then we conducted a comprehensive analysis of E13.5-E16.5 MEPM cells and compared their biological characteristics, including cell origin, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and stemness. We found that MEPM cells from E13.5-E16.5 showed positive expression of the mesenchymal marker Vimentin and negative expression of the epithelial marker CK-14. The proliferation of MEPM cells was similar at E13.5 and E14.5, but it gradually declined at E15.5 and E16.5. There was no statistically significant difference in the apoptosis rate among MEPM cells at E13.5-E16.5. The migration ability of MEPM cells gradually decreased from E13.5 to E16.5, and the osteogenic ability of MEPM cells and palate shelves gradually increased. In addition, the expressions of stemness markers gradually decreased, accompanied by a decrease in adipogenic ability. These results indicate differences in the biological characteristics of MEPM cells at different palate development stages, which helps us understand the detailed process of palate development.
Insights
Mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells change significantly during palate development. Their proliferation and migration decrease, while osteogenesis increases, offering insights into cleft palate formation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Mouse embryonic palatal mesenchyme (MEPM) cells are crucial for studying palate development and cleft palate (CP).
- Limited data exists on MEPM cell biological pattern changes during palate development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in MEPM cell biological characteristics during critical mouse palate development stages (embryonic day 13.5-16.5).
Main Methods:
- In vivo analysis of palatal shelves using immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR for proliferation and apoptosis factors.
- Comprehensive in vitro analysis of MEPM cells (E13.5-E16.5) assessing cell origin, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, osteogenesis, adipogenesis, and stemness.
Main Results:
- MEPM cells consistently expressed mesenchymal marker Vimentin and lacked epithelial marker CK-14.
- MEPM cell proliferation declined from E14.5 to E16.5, with no significant apoptosis changes.
- Migration ability decreased, while osteogenic potential increased from E13.5 to E16.5.
- Stemness and adipogenic potential decreased over the developmental period.
Conclusions:
- MEPM cell biological characteristics exhibit stage-specific differences during mouse palate development.
- These findings enhance understanding of the intricate cellular processes underlying normal palate formation and potential CP etiology.
