Abstract
Teeth play essential roles in life. Their development relies on reciprocal interactions between the ectoderm-derived dental epithelium and the underlying neural crest-originated mesenchyme. This odontogenic process serves as a prototype model for the development of ectodermal appendages. In the mouse, developing teeth go through distinct morphological phases that are tightly controlled by epithelial signaling centers. Crucial molecular regulators of odontogenesis include the evolutionarily conserved Wnt, BMP, FGF and sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathways. These signaling modules do not act on their own, but are closely intertwined during tooth development, thereby outlining the path to be taken by specific cell populations including the resident dental stem cells. Recently, pivotal Wnt-Shh interaction and feedback loops have been uncovered during odontogenesis, showing conservation in other developing ectodermal appendages. This review provides an integrated overview of the interplay between canonical Wnt and Shh throughout mouse tooth formation stages, extending from the initiation of dental placode to the fully formed adult tooth.
Highlights
Mouse Tooth DevelopmentMouse tooth development initiates around embryonic day 11 (E11), when localized epithelial thickenings in the oral ectoderm form and establish the molar and incisor dental placodes at E11.5 (Figure 1)
The primary enamel knot (pEK) was the first signaling hub to be discovered during odontogenesis, an earlier signaling center is already established upon invagination of the dental placode (E11.5), termed the initiation knot (IK)
Whereas the pEK is crucial for the bud-to-cap transition, the IK is thought to play a key role in the preceding placode-to-bud progression
Summary
Mouse Tooth DevelopmentMouse tooth development initiates around embryonic day 11 (E11), when localized epithelial thickenings in the oral ectoderm form and establish the molar and incisor dental placodes at E11.5 (Figure 1). Overexpression of the Wnt inhibitor Dkk1 in the dental epithelium results in downregulation of Shh and Ptch2 expression in developing tooth buds (Liu et al, 2008).
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