Expression of the transcription factors Otlx2, Barx1 and Sox9 during mouse odontogenesis.
The molecular mechanisms governing the decision between molariform and incisiform patterns of rodent dentition are not yet known. Transcription factors are regulators of regionally specific morphogenesis and key co-ordinators of gene activity during developmental processes. Here, we analysed the expression of several transcription factors during mouse tooth development. Otlx2/Rieg is a homeobox gene involved in Rieger syndrome, a human disorder characterized by dental hypoplasia. Otlx2/Rieg expression distinguishes stomatodeal epithelium well before tooth initiation, and thereafter its expression becomes restricted to the epithelia of both molar and incisor primordia. The recently identified homeodomain transcription factor Barx1 is first expressed in mesenchyme of the first branchial arch, but during advanced developmental stages the gene is exclusively expressed in the mesenchyme of molar primordia. Finally, the Sry-related transcription factor Sox9 is expressed in epithelial components and to a lesser degree in condensed mesenchyme of the developing teeth. These results suggest that Otlx2/Rieg, Barx1, and Sox9 participate in the hierarchical cascade of factors involved in the regulation of tooth morphogenesis.
Mitsiadis
T A
TA
Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie du Développement, IBDM, Campus de Luminy case 907, Marseilles, France. mitsiadi@ibdm.univ-mrs.fr
Mucchielli
M L
ML
Raffo
S
S
Proust
J P
JP
Koopman
P
P
Goridis
C
C
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005865:Gestational Age; D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors; D011247:Pregnancy; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D000097577:Homeobox Protein PITX2
D006609:High Mobility Group Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors; D055758:SOX9 Transcription Factor; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000097577:Homeobox Protein PITX2; C490667:BARX1 protein, human; C095587:Barx1 protein, mouse; C527932:SOX9 protein, human; C527933:Sox9 protein, mouse; C101485:homeobox protein PITX1; C433629:homeobox protein PITX3