Publication at Faculty of Science |
2020
Abstract
Transcription factor MEIS2 is expressed during the development of the mandibular arch, both in the oral epithelium and the neural crest-derived mesenchyme. Deletion of Meis2 in the neural crest-derived mesenchyme results in downregulation of Shh signaling in the oral epithelium.
Attenuation of Shh signaling leads to the inhibition of tongue development and overactivation of bone morphogenesis. Bone in the mandibular arch expands into the tongue region, reduces the nascent tongue, and thus shifts the oral-medial axis of the developing mandibular arch.