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MSX-1 gene expression and regulation in embryonic palatal tissue
1Department of Biological and Biophysical Sciences, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Kentucky 40292, USA.
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Animal
|December 31, 1998
Summary
Msx-1 gene is crucial for normal palate development. Retinoic acid and transforming growth factor beta influence Msx-1 expression, impacting cleft palate formation in mice.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Craniofacial Development
Background:
- Msx-1 gene's role in palate development is suggested by knock-out mouse studies.
- Palatal clefts in Msx-1 knock-out mice may stem from secondary tooth and jaw defects.
- Msx-1 mRNA expression is not prominent in developing palatal tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Msx-1 in developing murine palate.
- To explore the role of Msx-1 in retinoic acid-induced cleft palate.
- To examine the interaction between Msx-1, retinoic acid, and transforming growth factor beta.
Main Methods:
- Northern blot analysis to detect Msx-1 and Msx-2 mRNA expression.
- Primary cell culture of murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells.
- Treatment of cell cultures with retinoic acid and transforming growth factor beta.
Main Results:
- Msx-1, but not Msx-2, is expressed in the developing palate and palate mesenchymal cells.
- Retinoic acid inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression in palate mesenchymal cells.
- Transforming growth factor beta also inhibits Msx-1 mRNA expression, with synergistic effects when combined with retinoic acid.
Conclusions:
- Msx-1 plays a significant role in normal palate development.
- Msx-1 is implicated in the etiology of retinoic acid-induced cleft palate.
- A mechanistic interaction exists between retinoic acid, transforming growth factor beta, and Msx-1 in cleft palate formation.