An integrated gene regulatory network controls stem cell proliferation in teeth
2007
Gene Network Controls Stem Cell Growth in Teeth
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Xiu-Ping, Suomalainen Marika, Felszeghy Szabolcs, Zelarayan Laura C, Alonso Maria T, Plikus Maksim V, Maas Richard L, Chuong Cheng-Ming, Schimmang Thomas, Thesleff Irma
Primary Institution: University of Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
Follistatin inhibits the maintenance or proliferation of dental epithelial stem cells.
Conclusion
The study identifies a gene regulatory network that controls stem cell proliferation in mouse incisors, contributing to their asymmetrical growth.
Supporting Evidence
- Follistatin inhibits the proliferation of epithelial stem cells in the incisor.
- FGF3 and FGF10 are key signals that stimulate epithelial cell proliferation.
- BMP4 represses Fgf3 expression, affecting stem cell growth.
- Activin acts as a positive regulator of epithelial stem cell proliferation.
Takeaway
This study shows how certain signals in teeth help stem cells grow and how this can lead to differences in tooth shape.
Methodology
The study used mouse mutant analyses, organ culture experiments, and gene expression studies.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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