title: NFI-C2 temporal-spatial expression and cellular localization pattern during tooth formation.
abstract: Currently, little is known regarding critical signaling pathways during later stages of tooth development, especially those associated with root formation. Nfi-c null mice, lacking molar roots, have implicated the transcription factor NFI-C as having an essential role in root development. Previously, we identified three NFI-C isoforms expressed in dental tissues with NFI-C2 being the major transcript. However, the expression pattern of the NFI-C2 protein is not characterized. In this study we performed in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using isoform specific probes. We show the production of a NFI-C2 peptide antibody, its characterization, the temporal-spatial expression pattern of the NFI-C2 protein during odontogenesis and sub-cellular localization in dental cells. Moderate NFI-C2 staining, as early as bud stage, was detected mostly in the condensing dental ectomesenchyme. This staining intensified within the dental pulp at later stages culminating in high expression in the dentin producing odontoblasts. The dental epithelium showed slight staining until cytodifferentiation of enamel organ into ameloblasts and stratum intermedium. During root formation NFI-C2 expression was high in the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath and later was found in the fully developed root and its supporting tissues. NFI-C2 cellular staining was cytosolic, associated with the Golgi, and nuclear. These data suggest a broader role for NFI-C during tooth formation than limited to root and periodontal ligament development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.|Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA.
authors.forename: Ejvis
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lamani
authors.affiliation: Department of Developmental Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive Mail code 7894, DTL 4.599U, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
authors.forename: Jelica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gluhak-Heinrich
authors.affiliation: Institute of Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 3rd Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: MacDougall
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014070:Tooth / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D009687:Nuclear Proteins
keywords: NFI-C; NFI-C2; cellular localization; root development; tooth formation