A systematic analysis for localization of predominant growth factors and their receptors involved in murine tooth germ differentiation using in situ hybridization technique

Biomed Res. 2015;36(3):205-17. doi: 10.2220/biomedres.36.205.

Abstract

Tooth development is regulated by various growth factors and their receptors. However, the overall mechanism of growth factor-mediated odontogenesis remains to be elucidated. The present study examined expression sites and intensities of major growth factors and receptors in the tooth germ of murine fetuses and neonates. Signals of TGF-β and CTGF in fetuses were released from the enamel epithelium, while their neonatal signals arose in odontoblasts. Moreover, BMP/Smad signaling may affect the differentiation of ameloblasts, in contrast to PDGFα whose signals may cause odontoblast differentiation. Growth factors associated with the formation of the periodontium were IGF1, IGF2, IGFBP3, CTGF, and PDGFα. Concerning cusp formation, the enamel knot selectively expressed FGF4, BMP2, and BMP4 with an expression of PDGFα in the enamel-free area. It is concluded that many molecules play critical roles in the epithelium-mesenchyme interaction of tooth germ differentiation, and their expressions are precisely controlled.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / genetics
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Dental Sac / metabolism
  • In Situ Hybridization*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Multigene Family
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Smad Proteins / genetics
  • Smad Proteins / metabolism
  • Tooth Germ / cytology*
  • Tooth Germ / growth & development
  • Tooth Germ / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Smad Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta