Differential spatiotemporal expression of E- and P-cadherin during mouse tooth development

Int J Dev Biol. 1995 Aug;39(4):663-6.

Abstract

Changes in E- and P-cadherin (E- and P-CD) expression during embryonic mouse first molar development were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. During the induction and morphogenesis stages (bud, cap and early bell stages), E-CD was expressed in the cells of the invaginating epithelial tooth bud and in the cells of the outer enamel epithelium, stellate reticulum and stratum intermedium, suggesting a role for this molecule in the maintenance of enamel organ architecture. On the other hand, P-CD was strongly expressed in the inner enamel epithelium suggesting its participation in the processes of mesenchymal induction. during the cytodifferentiation stage (late bell stage), E-CD was expressed in polarizing preameloblasts, but cadherin expression was restricted to the basal and apical poles of differentiated secretory ameloblasts, where the zonula adherens type of cell-cell junctions is located. The present study demonstrates for the first time the spatiotemporal expression of cadherins during tooth development and suggests differential and specific roles for E-CD and P-CD during the morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation processes of this organ.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cadherins / analysis
  • Cadherins / biosynthesis*
  • Dental Enamel / cytology
  • Dental Enamel / embryology
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development*
  • Epithelium / physiology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression*
  • Gestational Age
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Molar / cytology
  • Molar / embryology*
  • Odontogenesis*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cadherins