[The expression and function of Smad7 during human tooth germ development].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the temporal and spatial expression of Smad7 during human tooth germ development and evaluate the effect of Smad7 on tooth germ development.


METHODS
The expression of Smad7 and its changes at different stages of human tooth germ were detected by using immunohistochemical staining.


RESULTS
Smad7 was expressed at all stages of tooth germ, but the distribution patterns at various stages were different. It indicated that temporal and spatial expressing mode of Smad7 during human tooth germ development was specific, which was similar to that of TGF-beta its signal transducer Smad2/3.


CONCLUSIONS
Smad7 might play an important role in TGF-beta intracellular signaling for modulating the differentiation of ameloblasts and odontoblasts.
Bao
Liuyu
L
Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Stomatological College, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
Niu
Zhongying
Z
Shi
Junnan
J
D000565:Ameloblasts / Q000166:cytology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009804:Odontoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D009805:Odontogenesis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051906:Smad7 Protein; D014070:Tooth / Q000254:growth & development*; D014083:Tooth Germ / Q000196:embryology; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C497806:SMAD7 protein, human; D051906:Smad7 Protein; D015534:Trans-Activators; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta