Enhanced BMP signaling results in supernumerary tooth formation in USAG-1 deficient mouse

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 May 16;369(4):1012-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.02.135. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

Uterine sensitization associated gene-1 (USAG-1) is a BMP antagonist, and also modulates Wnt signaling. We previously reported that USAG-1 deficient mice have supernumerary teeth. The supernumerary maxillary incisor appears to form as a result of the successive development of the rudimentary upper incisor. USAG-1 abrogation rescued apoptotic elimination of odontogenic mesenchymal cells. We confirmed that BMPs were expressed in both the epithelium and mesenchyme of the rudimentary incisor at E14 and E15. BMP signaling in the rudimentary maxillary incisor, assessed by expressions of Msx1 and Dlx2 and the phosphorylation of Smad protein, was significantly enhanced. Wnt signaling as demonstrated by the nuclear localization of beta-catenin was also up-regulated. Inhibition of BMP signaling rescues supernumerary tooth formation in E15 incisor explant culture. Based upon these results, we conclude that enhanced BMP signaling results in supernumerary teeth and BMP signaling was modulated by Wnt signaling in the USAG-1 deficient mouse model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / genetics
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Incisor / abnormalities*
  • Incisor / cytology
  • Incisor / metabolism
  • Mesoderm / cytology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tooth, Supernumerary / etiology*
  • Tooth, Supernumerary / genetics
  • Tooth, Supernumerary / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
  • Sostdc1 protein, mouse
  • Wnt Proteins