Expression of p21(WAF1/CIP1) during mouse odontogenesis

p21(WAF1/CIP1) is a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor. This protein may function during development as an inducible growth inhibitor that contributes to cell cycle exit and differentiation. The expression pattern of p21 during mouse embryogenesis was correlated with terminal differentiation of multiple cell lineages including skeletal muscles, cartilage, skin and nasal epithelium. p21 expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization during odontogenesis as well as during in vitro tooth development in chemically defined medium with or without retinoic acid. p21 transcripts were detected in the restricted area of the inner dental epithelium during late cap and initial bell stages and then confined to the post-mitotic odontoblasts and ameloblasts. The replicating cells were devoid of any signal. The distribution of p21 mRNA in vitro, whatever the culture conditions, was similar to the in vivo pattern. p21 protein immunolocalization was superimposed on the transcripts distribution but more restricted in ameloblasts. TGFbeta1 is known to induce p21 expression. During dental cytodifferentiations, TGFbeta1 and p21 expressions overlap. Growth inhibition by TGFbeta1 may be associated with p21 induction.