Matrix metalloproteinases have a role in palatogenesis.
Mammalian palatogenesis depends on palatal shelf elevation, medial edge epithelium (MEE) breakdown, and mesenchyme flow. These all require matrix remodeling, which is controlled in part by the family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We used an organ culture system to examine the effect of a general MMP inhibitor (BB3103) on mouse palatogenesis. Palates cultured in 20 micro M BB3103 contained no active MMP-2, and only one palate fused from a sample size of 15. In this single palate, MMP-3 was present at higher levels than in palates that failed to fuse. MMP-3 is known to be involved in epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and its persistence may explain why this palate fused. This implies a role for MMPs in normal palatogenesis, and disruption of their activity may result in cleft palate.
Brown
N L
NL
Division of Child Dental Health, University of Bristol Dental School, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS1 2LY, UK.
Yarram
S J
SJ
Mansell
J P
JP
Sandy
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000196:embryology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004848:Epithelium / Q000196:embryology; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000201:enzymology; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000502:physiology*; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000502:physiology*; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008648:Mesoderm; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010159:Palate / Q000196:embryology* / Q000201:enzymology*
C108282:BB 3103; D006877:Hydroxamic Acids; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2