A Joint Less Ordinary: Intriguing Roles for Hedgehog Signalling in the Development of the Temporomandibular Synovial Joint

Malgorzata Kubiak; Mark Ditzel

doi:10.3390/jdb4030025

A Joint Less Ordinary: Intriguing Roles for Hedgehog Signalling in the Development of the Temporomandibular Synovial Joint

J Dev Biol. 2016 Aug 26;4(3):25. doi: 10.3390/jdb4030025.

Authors

Malgorzata Kubiak¹, Mark Ditzel²

Affiliations

¹ Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK. malgosia.m.kubiak@gmail.com.
² Edinburgh CRUK Cancer Research Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK. mark.ditzel@ed.ac.uk.

Abstract

This review highlights the essential role of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in the developmental steps of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) formation. We review evidence for intra- and potentially inter-tissue Hh signaling as well as Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog (GLI) dependent and independent functions. Morphogenesis and maturation of the TMJ's individual components and the general landscape of Hh signalling is also covered. Comparison of the appendicular knee and axial TMJ also reveals interesting differences and similarities in their mechanisms of development, chondrogenesis and reliance on Hh signalling.

Keywords: GLI; Hedgehog; Hh; IHH; Indian Hedgehog; synovial joint; temporomandibular joint.

Publication types

Review